From scrubland to sanctuary
From scrubland to sanctuary: Stephenson Steam Railway opens Woodland Walk for wildlife and learning.
See imagery here.
Stephenson Steam Railway has officially opened its new Woodland Walk, which has transformed two acres of scrubland into a thriving habitat for wildlife, and a vibrant outdoor classroom for children. The project not only encourages biodiversity but also offers visitors of all ages a unique opportunity to connect with nature, local history and the environment around them.
Thanks to the dedication of volunteers at the North Tyneside Steam Railway Association, North Tyneside Art Studio, and the support of the local community, the Woodland Walk is now home to over 420 native trees, wildflower meadows, interactive art displays, and a range of features designed to encourage biodiversity.
Geoff Woodward, Museum Manager at Stephenson Steam Railway, said: “This project has been a labour of love from our dedicated volunteers, who have worked tirelessly to create something that benefits both wildlife and our local community.”
Helen Featherstone, Director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “We are delighted to have supported this project thanks to National Lottery players. It is fantastic news that the hard work of the project team and the volunteers has not only created a wonderful wildlife haven but is giving local communities the opportunity to explore the important railway heritage of the area in the year that the railway celebrates its bicentenary.”
The Woodland Walk was funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and additional funding was raised through a crowdfunding campaign via the Aviva ‘Save Our Wild Isles’ Community Fund, which raised £7,133.17. These funds enabled the creation of a wildlife pond, a wildflower meadow, bug hotels, a Learning Cabin, and sensory trail.
Throughout the project, the Woodland Walk has hosted engaging activities such as ‘Bioblitz’ events, delivered in partnership with Environmental Records Information Centre North East and the Natural History Society of Northumbria, helping people of all ages discover and record local wildlife. These activities, with more to be announced soon, will continue throughout the year, encouraging ongoing community involvement and supporting efforts to monitor and protect local biodiversity.
At the centre of the Woodland Walk is a wildlife pond, designed to provide a haven for wetland species including frogs, dragonflies, mud snails, and damselflies. This new habitat will be the focal point for interactive wildlife workshops delivered by the museum’s learning team, offering fun and educational activities for schools, families, and children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
The museum invites the community to join them in celebrating the opening of the Woodland Walk on Sunday 29 June. Visitors can take part in free activities such as:
- An entertaining puppet show by the brilliant Mosstroopers
- Be amazed by larger-than-life walking butterflies on stilts
- Participate in and watch willow-weaving demonstrations
- Take a trip on board a heritage train whilst you're here.
