From wonderful ancient woodlands and riversides to newly created wetlands and meadows Gateshead is a surprisingly great place to see wildlife. There has also been a revival in the fortunes of some significant species in Gateshead including the Otter and a very successful release of Red Kites as part of the Northern Kites Project.
In Gateshead there are 8 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (4 of which are managed by the Council, 13 designated Local Nature Reserves, a United Nations Man and the Biosphere site and over 100 Sites of Nature Conservation Importance (now called Local Wildlife Sites over 20% of which are managed by the Council).
The Council is actively involved in nature conservation through a number of measures. Firstly the Council cares for over 20 Nature Reserves across the Borough and actively manages and monitors these sites to conserve and encourage opportunities for wildlife.
The Council is also involved directly in a number of habitat creation projects which aim to help wildlife. A good example of this is the creation of new sites such as Lamesley Pastures and Burdon Moor and a major project to help Otters to expand their range in Gateshead by providing additional habitats, artificial holts and safe crossing points under road bridges.
The UK Biodiversity Action Plan, adopted by the government following the Earth Summit in 1992, led on to a number of regional plans which aimed to prevent biodiversity losses in the UK. Gateshead Council is an active contributor to the Durham Biodiversity Action Plan which lists the ‘priority’ habitats and species at risk in the Borough and details practically how these can be conserved.
A wide range of wildlife habitats, designated sites, wildlife corridors and species are also protected through the planning system, both in terms of long term forward planning and through the development control process. The Council is also involved in some monitoring of wildlife across the Borough and works with other organisations to encourage the adoption of wildlife-friendly practices.
As well as the ecological importance of conserving wildlife the Council also recognises the significant impacts that contact with nature can have on the health and wellbeing of Gateshead residents. To this end the Council aims to encourage residents to get involved in learning about and caring for wildlife where possible.
Where you can see wildlife in Gateshead Council
How you can help wildlife