Friends of Jesmond Dene
Volunteer group that organises events, conservation work, and community activities in Jesmond Dene. Runs the annual programme of walks, talks, and seasonal celebrations.
About Friends of Jesmond Dene
The Friends of Jesmond Dene is a volunteer-run charity dedicated to the preservation, enhancement, and promotion of Jesmond Dene and its surroundings. Volunteer rangers work under the supervision of council and Parks Trust rangers on varied practical conservation, including building boardwalks, mending fences, hand weeding, tree planting, litter picking, path clearing, coppicing, creating wildlife habitats, and conducting wildlife surveys, and the group funds projects to improve the Dene. Volunteer work parties meet outside the Ouseburn Parks Visitor Centre on Red Walk. Beyond the physical work, the Friends organise a programme of guided walks, talks, plant stalls, and nature days through the year, and send members twice-yearly newsletters covering matters of local interest. People can volunteer as a ranger for hands-on work or join as a supporter, with household membership available for a small annual fee. Through conservation, events, and advocacy, the Friends help ensure that Lord Armstrong's gift to Newcastle continues to flourish for future generations.
Featured in These Guides
Blog posts and guides that feature Friends of Jesmond Dene.
Christmas in Jesmond 2026
Jesmond's Christmas in one place: the Acorn Road lights, local markets, Carols by Candlelight, festive concerts at St George's, family shows a short walk away, winter days in the Dene and getting about by Metro.
Pets' Corner in Jesmond Dene Closes on Weekdays for Refurbishment
Pets' Corner in Jesmond Dene is closed Monday to Friday for around ten weeks while Newcastle City Council improves the animal enclosures, but stays open with free entry at weekends.
Interesting Facts About Jesmond
From a name that may mean the mouth of the Ouseburn to a medieval pilgrimage shrine, Lord Armstrong's private valley and a station that became a pub, here are the stories that make Jesmond so distinctive.
Volunteer Groups in Jesmond
From Friends of Jesmond Dene conservation work to parkrun marshalling and charity shop shifts, here is how to volunteer in Jesmond.
Jesmond Dene: Armstrong's Gift to Newcastle
How a Victorian arms manufacturer and hydraulic engineer created one of England's finest urban parks, then gave it away. The story of Lord Armstrong and Jesmond Dene.
More Community in Jesmond
Jesmond Library
Volunteer-run community library since 2013, when Newcastle Council closed the original branch. Books to borrow, regular events for children and adults, plus a calm space to read or work.
St George's Church Jesmond
Grade I listed parish church on Osborne Road, consecrated in 1888 and designed by T. R. Spence. The 154-foot bell tower is inspired by St Mark's in Venice. Regular services plus community events including fetes, organ recitals, concerts, and heritage open days.
Jesmond Dene
A narrow wooded valley running through the heart of Jesmond, one of Newcastle's most treasured green spaces. Walking trails, waterfall, Pets Corner, and Armstrong Bridge. Free entry, open year-round.
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What's On
Jane Eyre at Northern Stage
7:30 PM (matinees 2:30 PM Wed and Sat; Thu 6:00 PM) · Northern Stage, Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RH
The Pitmen Naturalists
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM · Clore Suite, Great North Museum: Hancock (Claremont Road entrance), Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4PT
Botanical Casting Display by Paula Smart at Jesmond Library
During library opening hours · Main Room, Jesmond Library, St George's Terrace, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 2DL