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Ryton Willows

Ryton Willows is a lovely nature reserve nestled in Ryton and has the River Tyne running alongside it. There are three ponds in the reserve which are teaming with wildlife including dragonflies, damselflies and butterflies. The willows grass areas are home to a variety of birds including the yellow hammer, kingfisher and linnet.

The park is suitable for walkers and cycling but as the ground is uneven some of it may not be suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.


History

Between Station Bank and the Curling Pond you will find a small piece of brickwork beside the path. These bricks are the only visible remains of a specially built ice rink which was last used by the Newcastle Caledonia Curling Club at the beginning of World War II. In Edwardian times, the main part of the Willows was the site of a mini fairground with roundabouts, 'shuggy boats' and a café. There were also boats to hire on the ponds.

Ryton Willows also sits on the site of the only Registered Battlefield in Tyne and Wear. The Battle of Newburn Ford, which took place on the 28th August 1640, was an important event leading up to the start of the English Civil War.


Ponds

The ponds at Ryton Willows are Sites of Special Scientific Interest because they have a very rich flora and fauna. Summer is the time to go out and see the colourful dragonflies and damselflies. During spring, watch out for frogs and toads that will be coming to the ponds to spawn. Underneath the surface is a world of dragonfly nymphs, mayfly larvae, water scorpions, great diving beetles and even leeches!

Woodland

The beech trees on the slope of Middle Wood are thought to be the tallest in Gateshead and are an ideal home for nuthatch, great spotted woodpecker and tawny owl. Bluebell, lesser celandine and other flowers can be seen growing in the spring.


Grassland

Flowers such as harebell and common sorrel can be found growing on the dry sandy soil of the grassland, where meadow brown and small copper butterflies fly on sunny summer days. Birds such as linnet and yellow hammer breed in the gorse.


The River Tyne

Despite being 17 miles (27 km) from the sea, the Tyne is still tidal at Ryton. As a consequence of this, the water is slightly salty and this influences the flowers growing on the bankside. Look out in summer for the purple-blue heads of sea aster. Common seals are frequently seen up the river, attracted by the wide range of fish, including salmon. Birds to see along the river include grey heron, kingfisher and goosander.

Description courtesy of Gateshead Council.





26th December 2018







20th October 2018



Underground Fire.

An underground fire is still burning five years after it was discovered in a disused Gateshead mine - and the council warns it could burn for "several" years yet. Firefighters were called to the site on Keelman’s Way, near Ryton Golf Club, in February 2015 after reports of smouldering.

Experts believe a fire is burning in the former Clara Vale mine workings and it is thought two former ponds filled with spoil and aggregates from the mine could be the source. It is understood that the Coal Authority previously offered its expertise, but because the burning material is "historic landfill" and not a coal tip, Scottish bing or colliery spoil, the organisation is not responsible for it.

The authority is responsible for coal seams and workings but there are no coal seams at shallow depth at Clara Vale. A spokesperson for Gateshead Council said the fire was made safe in 2015 but could be burning for years to come. She added: “The fire will continue to burn at the surface for several years under the capping material of limestone and clay applied in 2015. "It is safely contained by the installation of clay cut off walls around the boundary of the affected area.

Source: Chronicle Live.








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