Stepping stones enable wildlife to dodge danger

Mar 14 2009 by Tony Henderson, The Journal

Water is focus of fun day

ENVIRONMENTAL improvements to Newcastle’s urban streams will be celebrated at a family fun day next weekend.

The Living Waterways project is hosting the free event at Jesmond Dene on Saturday, March 21, with water-themed activities including willow weaving, pond dipping and an earthworm survey.

Activities take place opposite Pets Corner, between 11am and 3pm and are open to all. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

The dene was chosen as a venue because the Ouseburn, which flows through it, is one of Newcastle’s best examples of a "living waterway".

The event has been organised by the Environment Agency and Newcastle City Council and coincides with World Water Day, part of the UN’s international campaign for clean water, on March 22, and Jesmond Community Festival.

Living Waterways is a partnership project between Northumberland Wildlife Trust, Durham Wildlife Trust and the Environment Agency.

The project, which is funded through the Environment Agency’s Northumbria Regional Flood Defence Committee, aims to improve urban streams by reducing flood risk and making them better places for both people and wildlife.