About This Event

Join local naturalists and nature enthusiasts for a session dedicated to finding, identifying, and recording as much wildlife as possible in the lovely Woolsington Parish Ponds.

Schedule:

9am: Checking the moth traps
10am: Pond dipping
11am onwards: Informal exploration of the site and seeing what wildlife we can find together with a loose focus on dragonflies, damselflies, ladybirds and botany.

Feel free to come along for part or all of the day.

You'll meet likeminded naturalists, see some great wildlife and share skills and specialities with likeminded individuals from across the local area. NHSN's new Field Skills Days aim to bring together naturalists of all interests to maximise the value of wildlife recording, create species lists and share knowledge and expertise in a friendly and welcoming setting.

Whether you're passionate about birds, butterflies or botany, or have an interest in little-known groups such as spiders or snails, all are welcome. This session will be facilitated by NHSN Senior Naturalist, James, and Urban Naturalist, Ellie with all sightings gathered forming part of the Ouse Burn Way project.

If you need any help or have any problems on the day, please phone 07926248746.

Essential Information

Event length: 1 session, Tuesday 19 August, 9am-3pm

Meet at: Woolsington Parish Pond (Lily Pond), Woolsington, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NZ 19165 69726, W3W: ///riots.fishery.runner. Map with meeting point and details for parking included below.

Event cost: Free

Photos will be taken at this event to use on social media and in NHSN publicity material. If you would prefer not to be photographed please let us know at the start of the event.

What to Expect?

Practical experience surveying and identifying a variety of wildlife groups including bees, plants and butterflies
Guidance on identifying wildlife in the field
The chance to learn from likeminded naturalists in a friendly setting
Guidance on how to share wildlife records using iRecord and iNaturalist
A chance to connect with like-minded individuals who share an interest in wildlife

Important Information

Booking is essential
Nature enthusiasts of all abilities are welcome
We'll be outside for the whole session so please dress appropriately for the weather

Accessibility

Please note there are no toilets present on site
While some of the walk will take place on designated paths, banks and uneven tracks can be expected in places.

About the Ouse Burn Way

Made possible by the Reece Foundation, The Ouse Burn Way offers events that encourage people of all ages to connect with nature. From exploring local wildlife to discovering the hidden gems in your community, these activities are a great way to experience the natural world in Newcastle and North Tyneside. What will you spot in your own neighbourhood? Come along and join us for some outdoor fun, and start noticing the wildlife around you. For more information about the project, please click here.

How to get there

Map to show how to get to meeting point (red x) below. Several options for parking including Whorlton Lane, Ponteland Road, Lowbiggin, and layby on A696 (layby has limited parking).

NHSN Field Skills Day at Woolsington Parish Ponds