Wetland Bird Survey – Training Workshop

The Wild Ouseburn project needs your help!

Over the next year the Wild Ouseburn project will be developing a series of surveys across the project area. The surveys will follow seasonal changes of species and follow existing methodologies. The results gathered will help build a better picture of the wildlife in the area, enabling us to better conserve and enhance habitats and species, boosting the vibrant biodiversity of Wild Ouseburn!

The first survey will be the Wetlands Bird Survey, which will feature two survey routes across the project area following the important blue corridors. One survey route will follow the Ouseburn from its mouth at the Tyne and along to the culvert at Ouseburn Farm. The other route will follow the north bank of the Tyne from Spiller’s Wharf to the Millennium Bridge.

The survey will primarily focus on wetland birds, from Mallards to Mute Swans, alongside visual water quality checks. The survey will take place fortnightly, counting the species present, recording behaviour and breeding success alongside identifying important feeding and roosting areas, to build a full picture of the birds that use this important wildlife corridor.

If you would like to start getting involved in wildlife surveying through Wild Ouseburn, or are intrigued and would like to simply find out more, join us for a morning training session on Friday 2^nd February or Sunday 11^th February 9am – 1030am. Meet outside of the Cycle Hub, Spiller’s Wharf (no booking required).

This is a great chance to begin your bird identification journey (as there are only a handful of species which regularly use the Ouseburn!), as well as learning ecological monitoring methods. The Wild Ouseburn project will provide everything you need, including Opticron binoculars, to identification and recording sheets. You just need to bring yourself.

Please note that you do not need to have prior knowledge of birds to take part in these surveys.

Can’t make the workshop dates? Don’t worry, drop us an email and we can arrange another time!

(Suitable for ages 12+, under 18s must be accompanied by an adult)