REWILD THE CITIES | Large Herbivore Day at Leazes Park

Part of a collection of Large Herbivore Day events taking place across Newcastle and Gateshead - open to all!

Our Lost Large Herbivores + Scrub 🦬

Our plants and trees evolved alongside large herbivores like Bison, Boar, Beavers, Elk and Aurochs - and have developed ways to cope with the pressures of living alongside such heavy-hooved, hungry creatures. For example, Bramble and Hawthorn have sharp thorns to make sure they don't get munched too much, and Willow produce fresh shoots quickly to compensate for not having such defences.

In Britain, whilst some species such as the Beaver are making a slow recovery from extinction, we have largely lost this important natural process - particularly in cities.

However our ecosystems still need this natural “disturbance” to grow and flourish. This is where YOU come in!

What we'll be doing

While it would be pretty exciting to see Bison crashing through Leazes Park, we'll instead be taking on the role of these lost herbivores and replicating the natural relationship which has evolved between them and our ecosystems.

In particular, we'll be focussing on managing understorey species such as Bramble and Hawthorn, and wetland pioneers like Willow. To do this we'll be using tools such as shears to "nibble" or "browse" in a naturalistic way. You might be surprised just how easy (and fun!) it is to get into the mind of a nibbling Bison, a stomping Auroch or a rootling Boar.

Instead of managing our greenspaces in a human-centred way, if we understand how our ecosystems function, we can boost urban greenspaces for biodiversity. We're pleased to be undertaking this approach in partrnship with the Newcastle Parks & Allotments Team.

We call this Urban Rewilding - by replicating lost natural processes, we can help our urban landscapes reach their maximum potential for wildlife - and have a lush day out in nature!

Who can take part?

Large Herbivore Days are open to everyone - the more the merrier!

You don't need any experience to take part , and there'll be plenty of roles to fill and different tools to use. For example, you might use shears to snip the Bramble like a Bison, or use loppers to coppice Willow like a Beaver.. You can have a go at different methods, and will be shown how to safely use your tools for the job.

What do I need to bring?

All equipment and gloves will be provided.

Please wear suitable, sturdy walking shoes/ boots (AKA 'hooves') we will largely be off the footpaths. Be sure to wear suitable clothing, we will be going ahead rain or shine! We'd recommend bringing a drink and some snacks.

In the case of a severe weather warning the session may be cancelled, in which case we will inform you by email the evening before.

How do I take part?

Just turn up on the day!If you're thinking of joining us, it'd be very helpful if you could RSVP by getting a free ticket - so we have an idea of numbers on the day.

Where do we meet?

We will be meeting outside the Tower Cafe in Leazes Park, Richardson Road, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE 4BJ

The What3Words for the meeting location is:

What are the session times?

We'll be running multiple sessions, you're welcome to come along to them all, or just take part for part of one session! Any time you can spare would be hugely beneficial to the wildlife of Leazes Park.

Please aim to arrive outside the Tower Cafe 10 minutes before the session start time.

📅 Saturday 11th October

10am - 12pm

1pm - 3pm

📅 Thursday 16th October

10am - 12pm

1pm - 3pm

Who can I contact about the session?

These Urban Rewilding sessions are hosted by Wild Intrigue, if you have any questions please feel free to get in touch at [email protected]

Host or Publisher Wild Intrigue