Green Team | Large Herbivore Day in Gateshead Riverside Park

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 Boar rootling through Gateshead Riverside 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, using tools such as shears to "nibble" or "browse" in a naturalistic way. You might be suprised 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 call this Urban Rewilding - by replicating lost natural processes, we can help our urban landscapes reach their maximum potential for wildlife - and have a great morning out together!

Who can take part?

Tyne Derwent Way Green Team sessions 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, take on the role of a Boar by exposing bare earth with a fork or hoe. 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 may go off the footpath at times. 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?

You are welcome to simply turn up to this session!

It would be very helpful if you RSVP by booking on eventbrite if you're thinking about joining us - so we have an idea of numbers on the day.

Where and when do we meet?

We will be meeting at the Rose Street entrance to Gateshead Riverside Park.

There is no fixed address for this location, so please follow directions via What3Words: worm.cool.calms

The session runs from 10am to 12pm. You're welcome to join for the full time are just part of the session - please arrive for 9.45am.

Who can I contact about the session?

If you have any questions about the session, or would like to enquire about other ways to volunteer with Tyne Derwent Way, please get in touch with our Volunteer and Community Manager, Stewart, at Stewart.Turnbull@nationaltrust.org.uk

This Tyne Derwent Way Green Team session is part of a collection of Large Herbivore Day events running throughout urban parks in Newcastle and Gateshead.

If you fancy joining the herd, take a look at the details of other events in the poster above, and find out more at wildintrigue.co.uk .