Ongoing

Northumberland

Nature Returns - Nature for People and Place in the Wansbeck catchment

Sarah Best

Project Development Manager

Sarah Best

Project Development Manager

Overview

This project, commissioned by the Environment Agency and Natural England through the Nature Returns programme, aims to map and connect people and organisations with an interest in protecting nature and helping more people benefit from access to green and blue spaces along the River Wansbeck* in Northumberland. We are also asking communities, land owners, businesses, public and voluntary organisations how they would like to engage with these spaces and help protect the natural environment in future.  Northumberland Rivers Trust and Community Action Northumberland (CAN) are partnering with NICRE on this project to help us reach as many local groups and organisations as possible in the area.

Have your say in our online survey
Nature Returns Logo RGB Positive Colour (2)

Get involved

The results of the research will help the Environment Agency, Natural England and partners across the Wansbeck catchment to join up current activities and maximise the social, economic and environmental benefits for the whole of this part of Northumberland. Findings will also be used to shape future environmental and nature recovery projects that support people and help create thriving communities.

At this stage of the project we would love to hear from anyone who has a connection to the Wansbeck catchment* and is interested in nature recovery and/or community development and wellbeing. You can:

  • Complete the online survey to tell us about your experiences and ideas for the future
  • Share examples of projects and initiatives that are already helping to look after nature and benefitting the local community. Examples can be from within the Wansbeck catchment or further afield – email nicre@newcastle.ac.uk with further details.
  • Add your organisation to our mapping. Through this project we want to help local people and organisations connect with other groups with similar interests across the Wansbeck catchment. If you are involved in nature recovery, or are part of an organisation that works with people in the area (e.g. schools and NHS services, libraries, charities and community groups, childcare and social care providers, youth or sports clubs, private businesses), and would like to be added to our mapping, contact nicre@newcastle.ac.uk.

*The map below shows the Wansbeck catchment area, which runs from Kirkwhelpington to the North Sea at Cambois in the south of Northumberland, passing through countryside and small villages as well as towns like Morpeth and Ashington. Click on the image to view a larger version, or explore further on Google Maps.

Wansbeck Catchment

Next steps

This first phase of the project will run until end March 2025. Initial research and community engagement will take place from December to February. In February and March, local environmental and community organisations and other stakeholders will review the findings and develop plans for the next phase of the Nature for People and Place project. NICRE will also write up the methodology used for the research phase of the project, so that it can be adapted and used in other areas.  

Partners

Loading...