The Ouseburn sub-catchment group is bringing together current projects on the Ouseburn to ensure they work effectively together, as well as identifying the need for further work as highlighted by the Ouseburn Evidence & Measures project, a summary of which can be downloaded here: Ouseburn Evidence & Measures briefing note.
The Ouseburn is a complex river system which suffers from a number of pressures which keep its water quality below target levels. In the upper section it is agricultural, but the farms are on the urban fringe and so the difficulties they experience include anti-social behaviour, fly-tipping and trespassing. The remainder of the catchment is urban, running through Newcastle, but also includes important green space at Jesmond Dene in Newcastle.
Solving the numersous issue facing the Ouseburn takes a truly coordinated approach between local authorities, farmers, the water company, householders. Organisations like Groundwork, Tyne Rivers Trust and the Environment Agency are working hard to facilitate the changes needed.