Wildlife Conservation Comes to the Heart of Newcastle: Eldon Square Hosts ‘Championing Nature’ Workshops
Shoppers in Newcastle’s Eldon Square are being offered a unique opportunity to swap the high street for the hedgerow this summer. The Northumberland Wildlife Trust (NWT) is set to host a series of interactive, nature-focused events in the shopping centre’s Community Quarter, designed to bring the beauty of the natural world directly to urban residents.
On Tuesday, August 25, and Wednesday, August 26, the Trust will facilitate a range of free, seabird-themed arts and crafts activities. Aimed at families and individuals aged four and older, these sessions offer a slice of "wildlife therapy" amidst the hustle and bustle of city life. Participants will be able to engage in creative projects—including the popular "paper plate puffins"—while learning about the vital work the charity performs to protect biodiversity across Northumbria.
A Mission to Bridge the Nature Gap
These workshops are a local manifestation of the broader Championing Nature project, an ambitious, multi-million-pound initiative backed by The All England Lawn Tennis Club (Wimbledon) and Emirates.
The six-year program is being delivered by a coalition of four regional Wildlife Trusts: Northumberland, Birmingham and Black Country, London, and the Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside. The partnership aims to dismantle the barriers that prevent urban populations from engaging with the outdoors.
Research commissioned for the project highlights a sobering reality: approximately one in eight children from low socio-economic backgrounds under the age of 12 has never truly experienced nature. Parents cited the lack of accessible green spaces and the high cost of transport as the primary obstacles. However, the benefits of engagement are clear, with parents reporting significant improvements in their children’s happiness, physical health, and overall mood after spending time in natural settings.
"Championing Nature is a new programme aimed at creating a lasting and very positive impact in urban communities by helping people to have greater engagement and connections with nature," a spokesperson for the Northumberland Wildlife Trust stated. By focusing on young people aged 16–24 and disadvantaged families, the project seeks to build an infrastructure legacy that will benefit generations to come.
Decades of Local Stewardship
The Northumberland Wildlife Trust remains the region’s leading environmental charity, boasting a legacy of over 50 years of conservation advocacy. Supported by more than 12,000 individual members and 40 corporate partners, the Trust manages over 60 nature reserves across Newcastle, North Tyneside, and Northumberland. Through these sites, they safeguard critical native species and maintain the delicate balance of the region’s ecosystems.
How to Get Involved
The upcoming workshops in Eldon Square are scheduled at four intervals each day:
- 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
- 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
- 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
- 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
While the activities are free of charge, organizers highly recommend booking in advance to secure a place. Those interested in participating or learning more about the Trust’s year-round efforts can find full details and reservation portals on the Northumberland Wildlife Trust events page.
