Northumbrian Water has been helping young people from Newcastle get hands-on with nature, thanks to a partnership with a local children’s charity, Kids Kabin.
The water company recently welcomed the group to its nature reserve at Howdon Sewage Treatment Works in Wallsend, where they spent the day learning about local wildlife and how everyone can play a part in protecting the environment.
Kids Kabin, which supports children and young people from Walker, Byker and Cowgate in Newcastle, as well as neighbourhoods in south and east Middlesbrough, provides safe spaces, activities and learning opportunities to help build skills and confidence.
During the visit, Northumbrian Water’s conservation team introduced the youngsters to birdwatching, conservation work and how to be more mindful of water use.
They climbed to a lookout point overlooking the nature reserve, spotting herons and other birdlife, and even used a thermal imaging camera to see birds hidden high in the trees.
After learning what insects need to thrive, the group then installed a variety of colourful bug hotels that they’d built and decorated themselves, with plans to return each season to see how they become vital homes for invertebrates.
The visit is part of part of Northumbrian Water’s wider ambition to make the land surrounding its hundreds of sites – from treatment works to reservoirs – as nature-friendly as possible. The company is also working with its environmental partners and community groups to improve habitats and boost biodiversity.
Ian Cole, Conservation Advisor at Northumbrian Water, who led the day, said: “We look after hundreds of sites across the North East and we want them to be places where wildlife can thrive alongside the work we do every day.
“They also give us a great opportunity to help young people feel a sense of pride in their local environment and understand why looking after water and nature is so important.”
Judy Forte, Kids Kabin volunteer, said: “It’s great to see what Northumbrian Water are trying to do.
“As well as being great for nature, these are also really interesting learning opportunities for young people from Walker and Byker.”