This instalment of ‘Walking the Ouse Burn’ was an interesting one! We started at Gosforth Nature Reserve, a place I’ve been lucky enough to call my base since I started with the Natural History Society of Northumbria in October. Until now, I hadn’t had much chance to explore the area immediately surrounding the reserve, so this walk was a great opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the local landscape which is really important for appreciating how wildlife moves through and interacts with the environment.
Urban Mammals: Burrowers and Browsers
Our journey started by heading south down Salter’s Lane, where signs of urban wildlife quickly became apparent. Though rarely seen, the presence of European Moles is unmistakable thanks to the small mounds of soil they push up while tunnelling underground. Historically, Moles have been viewed as a nuisance due to the perceived disruption they cause to fields and gardens. However, their burrowing plays a vital ecological role through aerating and mixing the soil, and creating patches of bare earth ideal for early colonising plants. With the decline of other soil-disturbing mammals across much of the UK (such as Wild Boar and, in some areas, Badgers), Moles have become even more important in maintaining these natural soil processes.
Continuing south, we reached the vast arable fields bordering the reserve. One of the highlights was spotting several Roe Deer, which were enjoying the bird seed mix put down there. These graceful animals are a common sight in the area, moving freely between the reserve, bordering woodland and these more agricultural spaces.
The Call of the Peewit
A particularly exciting find of the walk was a flock of Lapwing – a species that has sadly suffered significant declines and are now on the UK Red List for Birds of Conservation Concern. Also known as “Peewits” for their distinctive calls, they feed mainly on earthworms and insects, and so wet grassland such as these arable fields are great habitat.
These striking birds favour open fields and wide landscapes, not only for feeding but also for ground nesting, detecting predators, and performing their dramatic aerial courtship displays. Seeing them thriving in an increasingly urban setting was heartening and reinforced how interconnected ecosystems are – wildlife doesn’t exist in isolation. The surrounding landscapes, whether arable fields, woodlands, or wetlands, all play a role in supporting the biodiversity of Gosforth Nature Reserve.
Coastal Gems – Far from the Coast
We spotted Danish Scurvygrass and Reflex Saltmarsh Grass along the roadside. They are coastal species, so finding them so far inland might seem surprising. However, roadside verges often mimic coastal conditions due to the salt used to grit roads in winter, creating a habitat where these resilient plants are really well suited.
Fantastic Fungi
As we continued along Heathery Lane, we found a log pile absolutely covered in mushrooms! Turkey Tail, Jelly Ear, Oyster Mushroom, Candlesnuff and Purple Jelly Disc were all there, breaking down the wood. There was also evidence of Honey Fungus, which can start off as a parasite, attacking living trees, but later can decompose deadwood. Another find was Yellow Brain fungus. It’s also a parasite, but not on wood itself – it targets certain crust fungi that grows on dead deciduous timber. The crust fungus is often hard to spot because the Yellow Brain feeds on its mycelium, so it looks like it’s growing straight out of the log.
We pressed on, and soon the Ouse Burn came into view. The banks were dominated by Cherry Laurel and Garden Yellow Archangel, which vigorous growth can outcompete native plants for light and resources. However, pockets of native flora persisted, including the beautiful Hart’s Tongue Fern and elegant Pendulous Sedge. Mallards paddled along the burn, and we even spotted some sizeable fish swimming in its depths. The soundscape was alive with birdsong, with the cheerful melody of a Robin and the high-pitched calls of a Goldcrest particularly prominent.
Signs of Spring
As we continued along the route, signs of spring began to emerge. Fresh Hawthorn leaves were starting to emerge along the hedgerow, a delicate green that marked the first stirrings of new growth. These young hawthorn shoots were once called “bread and cheese” by miners, who would forage for them as a simple, nutritious snack during hard times. Although, I have to admit, I’ve found them to taste neither of bread nor cheese! We also spotted a patch of Common Snowdrops peeking through the earth, their white petals bright against the damp, dark soil. These early bloomers were a welcome reminder that, despite the chill still in the air, spring was just around the corner.
Business Park Surprises
We roughly followed the path of the Letch, a watercourse that weaves through Balliol Business Park. Much of it is culverted, making it difficult to track, but it was fascinating to see what wildlife could thrive in such an intensely built-up environment.
Classic urban planting dominated the space, with species like Oregon Grape, Himalayan Birch, Goat Willow, and Grey Willow providing greenery. Then, an unexpected highlight – a Kestrel perched in a tree, watching our every move! Its distinctive dark ‘tear’ marks, known as malar stripes, extend from each eye to its chin. These markings help reduce glare from the sun, allowing the kestrel to maintain razor-sharp vision and increase its hunting success. It was a striking reminder that even in industrial landscapes, nature finds a way to thrive. What a magical end to our walk!
To read more about the work being done as part of the Ouse Burn Way, please click here.
