On Friday 14th November, G29 geographers headed out to investigate their fieldwork question: Has the regeneration of the Ouseburn been a success?
Students began their route on Shields Road in Byker before walking down the bank towards the Ouseburn Valley. Starting here allowed them to consider whether regeneration has truly been successful if the surrounding areas still scored low on an environmental quality survey.
We were also joined by Dr Mike Jefferies, who shared his extensive knowledge of the history of the Ouseburn and helped bring the area’s past to life.
Below is one of the fascinating images Mike showed us, featuring the old dead house. This building once stood at the mouth of the Ouseburn—close to where the Cycle Hub is today. Historically, the dead house was used to retrieve bodies from the River Tyne.
Students have now reflected on their fieldwork question. Overall, they feel that the regeneration of the Ouseburn has been successful, but agree that more should be done to improve the surrounding area.
