The Friends of Jesmond Dene is a volunteer-run charity pledged to improve, preserve and promote the environment in and around Jesmond Dene for the benefit of residents, wildlife and visitors. The writer and broadcaster John Grundy is Patron of the Friends of Jesmond Dene.
We work closely with Newcastle City Council, who look after the Dene’s maintenance and undertake special projects to improve the Dene; and with other experts and specialists who run events.
Whilst we are not responsible for the Dene’s wildlife or its historic buildings’ maintenance, we exist to encourage public interest in everything concerning the Dene:
“Improving, preserving and promoting the environment in and around Jesmond Dene Park for the benefit of wildlife and visitors.”
Find articles on the history of Jesmond Dene, details of recent events or how we’ve been maintaining and improving the Dene.
In our Autumn 2025 newsletter, you can read about Abbey, the new Pets Corner pig, the forgotten stepping stones and the case of the disappearing hall.
This edition includes the exciting plans for The Ouse Burn Way, as proposed and supported by the Reece Foundation. This intends to create a continuous pedestrian, cycle and wildlife route between the Tyne and Weetslade, along the path of the
In this issue of the Friends of Jesmond Dene Newsletter we have articles from Henrietta Heald, who is the author of Magician of the North, a biography of William Armstrong, Baron Armstrong of Cragside (1810–1900). She writes about the missing
Jesmond Dene is your garden — and it needs your support.
There are two ways you can help us care for this much-loved green space:
🌿 Donate – Make a one-off or regular donation to help us protect and maintain the Dene for everyone to enjoy.
🤝 Join the Friends of Jesmond Dene – Become a member to receive updates on our conservation work, events, and volunteer opportunities.
Every contribution, big or small, helps keep Jesmond Dene thriving for generations to come.
