Woodland birds get a lift in Newcastle

08/04/2009 15:09:13 Walker Riverside Park gets £40,000 grant
April 2009. Willow warbler and bullfinch are two of the north's declining woodland birds set for a boost as a result of a £40,000 Forestry Commission grant.

The cash has been pledged for vital habitat creation work in Walker Riverside Park, Newcastle upon Tyne, which will target the species, along with garden warbler, spotted flycatcher and willow tit, all of which are known to be in the area. The grant will also be used to improve public access to the 30-hectare (75-acre) site, with densely planted trees thinned either side of paths and colourful interpretation boards erected.

Last year the Forestry Commission and RSPB launched a new grant scheme in North East England - the first in the country - to fund conservation work to help 14 vulnerable woodland species which face an uncertain future.

Hotspots
Mike Riley, Woodland Officer with the Forestry Commission, said: "Together with the RSPB, British Trust for Ornithology and Natural England we've carried out a unique mapping project to identify breeding "hotspots" in the region for certain birds. We know we have some of the key species in or very near Riverside, so this grant will support work where it's most likely to be effective."

Coppicing
Besides thinning work, more coppicing will also be done, where trees are cut back to promote vigorous growth, and improvements made to rides and meadows. Woods which are under-managed or neglected provide fewer habitats and partly explain why some birds are in a tailspin, say forest chiefs. Because the work will help both woodland birds and improve community access a more generous grant has been offered.

Reclaimed from industry
Until the 1970s Walker Riverside Park was home to heavy industry, but it is now being nurtured with a greener future in mind by owners Newcastle City Council and a friends group. Just three miles from the city centre, it is a haven for wildlife, and provides spectacular views over the River Tyne.

Steve Williams, from the Friends of Walker Riverside Park, said: "Our vision is to see the park being used to its maximum potential by local residents and visitors. This will involve a lot of hard work over the coming months and years. This funding from the Forestry Commission will greatly assist us in achieving our goal of seeing this wonderful green space being used and enjoyed by all."