In light of the lockdown measures which come into effect from 5th November, we have updated our official guidance on visiting Newcastle’s parks and allotments.

In light of the lockdown measures which come into effect from 5th November, we have updated our official guidance on visiting Newcastle’s parks and allotments.
In the 2020 awards we have achieved Green Flag Awards for four of our city centre parks. Two of the parks have kept their awards – Jesmond Dene for the 7th consecutive year and Walker Park for the 4th consecutive year – and Exhibition Park and Leazes Park have been recognised for the first time since 2011.
Take Ten Minutes, a new free-to-use guided meditation service is being trialled in our parks, to encourage people to engage in guided walking meditations to help improve their mental wellbeing.
Our wonderful parks and allotments have provided a place of respite and relaxation over the past few difficult months. And they will continue to do so, as once more we face increased restrictions due to COVID-19.
Last week was a week of contrasts! We started so saddened by the behaviour of a few people, and ended the week absolutely overwhelmed by the generosity and encouragement shown by so many in response to the devastating fire at Heaton Park last weekend.
All our staff at Urban Green Newcastle are absolutely devastated by the arson attack on the playground in Heaton Park. The incident happened on the night of 13 September; the fire service responded quickly, and the police are now looking into the circumstances surrounding the fire.
With the gradual easing of lockdown restrictions, Urban Green Newcastle is re-starting many of its maintenance programmes that had to be put on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Urban Green Newcastle has formed a new partnership with social enterprise, The Skill Mill, to provide work experience and training opportunities to young people aged 16-18 and support them into employment.