In 2002 Gateshead Council bought Lamesley Pastures to care for and improve the area for its wildlife, landscape, archaeological and historical interest and to enable people to explore this unique place.
Wildlife
Lamesley Pastures is one of the few undeveloped river floodplains in the area and contains two Sites of Nature Conservation Importance.
Our aim is to make this a better place for nature by creating many different types of homes, or habitats, for wildlife. Rare winter water meadows are being restored. New ponds and ditches will allow water levels to be controlled. A similar system of intentionally flooding fields in winter was used by our medieval ancestors to increase the fertility of their land. Reedbed habitats are also being introduced to clean up water flowing onto the site.
Lamesley Pastures with the Angel of the North visible in the distance
To further encourage wildlife, the land is being managed using traditional farming methods. This will involve keeping animals in low numbers and not adding chemical fertilisers and pesticides. During your visit you may spy some shy Exmoon Ponies. These are a hardy 'nature' breed of pony which help the wildflowers to thrive through their conservation grazing, Gateshead Council is providing a temporary foster home for these unwanted ponies on behalf of the Moorland Mouise Trust.
Bird hide
Access to the bird hide| is on the opposite side of the road to the Ravensworth Arms. Keys are available for sale from the Civic Centre (at the Development and Enterprise Reception) and from Thornley Woodlands Centre. The same key can be used in all Gateshead Council bird hides. When using the bird hide please park in the car park of the Ravensworth Arms and not on the road verges. Please take care when crossing the road!
Public events sometimes held on site.