Ongoing

Northumberland

Nature and People in the Coquet catchment

Overview

This project, a partnership with Natural England, is exploring how people connect to nature in the River Coquet catchment in Northumberland.

Between February and May 2026 we will be engaging with people of all ages who live, work, learn and visit in this catchment to find out:

  • What role the natural environment currently plays in their lives
  • What they enjoy about spending time in nature, and any barriers or challenges
  • What awareness they have of actions to support the health and sustainability of nature along the River Coquet and how they're involved
  • How communities can be better engaged to understand, enjoy and protect nature across the catchment 

The results of the research will help build a pipeline of potential projects that can be taken forward by partners and funders, and inform the approach to developing a Protected Sites Strategy (PSS) for the Coquet.

We want to hear from you!

There are a range of ways for people to contribute to the research - both online and in person.  Here's how you can have your say:

  • Complete our online survey: to tell us whether nature plays a role in your life now, and what you'd like for you and your community in future.
  • Come and talk to us in person: we'll be 'popping up' at various community spaces and activities around the River Coquet throughout May.  We had a brilliant time at Amble Library last month (pictured) and can't wait to hear from more people across the whole catchment - dates to follow soon.
  • Share the project online: www.nicre.co.uk/coquetnature - on social media and with your networks.
  • Spread the word in your community: if you're part of a group, space or organisation where local people get together, we'd love your help.  We can send you a poster to display, or some leaflets to hand out - and if you'd like, one of our researchers might even be able to pop in to one of your activities.  Email nicre@newcastle.ac.uk to find out more. 

The closing date for the survey and all other data collection will be Sunday 7 June.  We'll be discussing our findings and identifying priority projects with local partners at a workshop in late June/early July, before the final results are published over the summer.

Partners

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