Overview
The three parks are spread out along the banks of the Ouseburn, a tributary of the River Tyne that enters the main river at Byker Bank. The most northerly park is Jesmond Dene. East of Jesmond Dene at the north end is Paddy Freeman's Playing Fields, an open area of short grass with sports pitches and Paddy Freeman's Model Boating Lake.
Jesmond Dene itself is a wooded valley with many paths running through it and with a couple of areas of open grass, the Picnic Field and Coleman's Field.
To the south, the valley opens out with Armstrong Park on the east bank, across Ouseburn Road from the stream.
South of Armstrong Park and separated from it by Jesmond Vale Lane is Heaton Park which is more formal in part with a bowling green and bandstand but which also has a wood running down from the old Heaton Library.
Birds
Notable Species
Kingfisher, Dipper and Grey Wagtail are frequently seen along the Ouseburn. In the surrounding woods can be found Great Spotted Woodpecker, Nuthatch and Treecreeper.
Rarities
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Check-list
Birds you can see here include:
Mute Swan, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Sparrowhawk, Moorhen, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull "More to add"
Other Wildlife
There are frequent sightings of grey squirrels in each of the three parks. Red squirrels are unfortunately only seen vary rarely since the arrival of the greys. Foxes, rabbits and rats also live in the area.
Mink have been seen in the Ouseburn and evidence of otters has been found on its banks.
Site Information
History and Use
By the middle of the 19th century the valley of the Ouseburn had been bought by the armaments manufacturer Lord Armstrong who had it landscaped to produce waterfalls and planted many trees, including some exotic species. In the 1880s, having moved up to Cragside, near Rothbury, Lord Armstrong gave Jesmond Dene to the City of Newcastle.
Areas of Interest
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Access and Facilities
Pedestrial access to the three parks is via all the roads around them: Jesmond Dene Road, Matthew Bank, Castles Farm Road, Freeman Road, Jesmond Park West, Heaton Road, Jesmond Vale Lane, Heaton Park View and Ouseburn Road. There is car parking off Jesmond Vale Lane giving access to Heaton Park and Armstrong Park on Benton Bank and on Red Walk as far as Millfield House.
There is a toilet in Millfield House that is open when the Cafe is open.
Contact Details
Jesmond Dene Ranger Service Phone 0191 2810973
Jesmond Dene Cafe Phone 0191 2815010
External Links
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