Plants and Habitats of the Ouse Burn

Course tutor: James Common

Course length: 6x trips, April-July 2026. Please check the program below.

Course structure: Six field sessions at different locations.

Course cost: £60 NHSN Members / £75 Non-Members

Newcastle’s Ouse Burn passes through some of the city’s most interesting and botanically diverse sites, many of which are home to unique plants found almost nowhere else in the city. Several areas have a rich human history, which in turn has had a pronounced effect on the plant life found there. Further sites still host a remnant natural flora, including everything from rare orchids and scarce wetland species to ancient woodland specialists and plant communities shaped by past industry.

In this new field course, we’ll explore the Ouse Burn from its confluence with the Tyne northwards to Woolsington, close to its source. Over six trips, we’ll visit key sites and habitats along the way, observe and identify notable plants, and learn how the history of specific places influences their wildflowers.

Along the journey, we’ll discover more than a few surprises, including Victorian introductions and ballast stowaways, and enjoy some seasonal spectacles, from the flowering of old woodland to the emergence of orchids in early summer.

A full programme, including meeting points, will be shared ahead of the course starting. For key dates, please see below.

• The Lower Ouseburn Valley - Friday 10 April, 10 am-1 pm
• Jesmond Vale-Armstrong Park - Friday 24 April, 10 am-1 pm
• Jesmond Dene - Friday 8 May, 10 am-1.00 pm
• Gosforth Nature Reserve - Friday 29 May, 10 am-1 pm
• Newcastle Great Park - Friday 19 June, 11 am-2 pm
• Woolsington Ponds - Friday 24 July, 11 am-2 pm

All trips are accessible by public transport but parking is also available at or close to all sites. This field courses are designed to be chatty, friendly, and informal. It should suit both botanists keen to develop their skills and explore new locations, as well as beginners looking to deepen their understanding of the city’s flora and local area.

Questions (and identification queries) are welcome at any time by emailing [email protected].

Please read the terms and conditions for NHSN education courses before booking.

Recommended Equipment:

Your favourite ID guide, walking boots and a hand lens if you have one. Waterproofs and sun cream are also recommended.

About the tutor:

James works as Senior Naturalist at NHSN. Outside of work, he is a passionate wildlife recorder with a focus on botany and invertebrates. As a botanist, he is a joint BSBI Vice-County Recorder for North Northumberland and an iRecord verifier for South Northumberland.

Made possible by the Reece Foundation, The Ouse Burn Way offers enjoyable events that encourage people of all ages to connect with nature. From exploring local wildlife to discovering the hidden gems in your community, these activities are a great way to experience the natural world in Newcastle and North Tyneside. What will you spot in your own neighbourhood? Come along and join us for some outdoor fun, and start noticing the wildlife around you. For more information about the project, please click here.

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