Iris Brickfields, Newcastle
Enhancing the ecological function of an inner city park

Iris Brickfields is natural green space in the Heaton area of inner city Newcastle. The park was redeveloped in 1997 with the active input of the ‘Friends of the Park’ group. Ecological management techniques were successfully introduced in order to reduce overheads and make the area more attractive. Prior to this it was managed as amenity grassland.

There is active community involvement in the management plan for the park, including the local children’s nature club. Mowing has been reduced to allow wildflower meadows to grow and the result has received a good level of local acceptance. The habitat potential of the pond and wetland has also been enhanced. Plantations of willow and gorse have also been established. Professional support is provided by the ward rangers who are part funded through the leasing of meeting rooms and a cafe.

Sources:
Dunnett.N, Swanwick.C and Woolley.H. Improving urban parks, play areas and open spaces, Urban research report, DTLR, May 2002