City Stadium wildflower meadow creation

The City Stadium Wildflower Meadow 🌼

In spring 2025, a lovely new wildflower meadow was created by the Wild Ouseburn project at the City Stadium in Shieldfield, Newcastle. This was following a Bat Survey which showed Common Pipistrelles feeding in the area for the very first time, thanks to a “Let it Grow” campaign by Urban Green (now Newcastle Parks & Allotments).

Species-rich grasslands and meadows have declined in the Lower Ouseburn Valley, something which has occured throughout Britain, causing drastic declines in the abundance and diversity of wildlife – in particular pollinators such as butterflies, bees and moths.

By understanding natural processes, we can rewild our cities – boosting the urban landscape for wildlife as well as people.

We’re pleased to work on the City Stadium meadows in partnership with Newcastle Parks & Allotments.

Image: Birds-eye view of the City Stadium wildflower meadow, with paths running throughout, created in Spring 2025. The bottom section is one area that will be worked on in October which you can help with!

What we’ll be doing

There’ll be plenty for everyone to get involved with! Tasks will include:

• Rolling and moving turf in wheelbarrows
• Creating habitat piles
• Raking

Alongside other tasks such as

• Litter picking
• Soil invertebrate recording and ID (such as worms and beetles uncovered by turf removal)

This is part of the Wild Ouseburn project, and you’ll be inducted in safely using suitable tools for the tasks.

Image: Wild Ouseburn volunteers helping with meadow creation in Spring.

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LOCATION

We’ll be working on sections in the northern part of City Stadium.

What3Words for the general location: sling.herbs.clouds

There’s no need to let us know you’re coming – just look for someone in a high-vis vest!

DATES + TIME

There’ll be a few sessions throughout October – you’re welcome to come to as many as you like, or just take part for a short while one day! Every minute you can spare is hugely helpful and will help to boost our local wildlife – and make the City Stadium look beautiful!

You will be able to find us at the City Stadium between 10am and 3pm (unless otherwise stated) on the following dates in October.

October 2025 dates

Sunday 12th

Monday 13th

Tuesday 14th

Friday 17th

Saturday 18th (1.30pm – 5.30pm)

Sunday 19th (10am – 5.30pm)

Monday 20th (10am – 5.30pm)

Tuesday 21st (10m – 5.30pm)

Thursday 23rd

Friday 24th

Saturday 25th

You can also join us for our special Wildflower Seed Sowing day on Sunday 26th October, 11am to 1pm!

HOW TO TAKE PART

There’s no need to let us know you’re coming, just turn up on the day! You don’t need any experience, and everyone is welcome. The more the merrier!

WHAT TO BRING

All equipment for the tasks as well as gloves will be provided.

Be sure to wear clothes you don’t mind getting muddy! We’d recommend trousers and a thick coat, along with comfy walking shoes/ boots. Bring plenty to drink and some lunch/ snacks. You might like to bring a flask of tea/ coffee with you.

We’ll be going ahead rain or shine, so check the weather forecast and wrap up warm and pack a raincoat. You can stay for a long or a little as you like!