Benwell Nature Park, Newcastle
Creating a nature reserve on a brownfield site

Developed in 1981, this 2.5 hectare Local Nature Reserve was originally the site of terraced housing until their clearance in 1976. The park’s design incorporates habitats representative of regional character – native woodland, meadow and wetland habitats.

The park rangers run environmental education programmes, and the park is particularly popular with local schools. It also provides valuable local recreational space and is a focal point for a range of other activities, including recycling.

A community building located on-site hosts a range of activities, including adult education classes on maintenance and horticulture. The park has also benefited from significant volunteer input from the community, creating opportunities for skills development in an area of high unemployment.

Sources:
1. Dunnett.N, Swanwick.C and Woolley.H. Improving urban parks, play areas and open spaces, Urban research report, DTLR, May 2002
2. Newcastle City Council (2004) Benwell Nature Park - management plan, Newcastle Parks and Countryside Rangers Service