The Town Moor is the biggest green space in Newcastle. It is owned by Newcastle City Council but the Freemen of Newcastle own the grazing rights.
 
While the Freemen claim the Town Moor is the ‘green lung’ of the city, many view it as a ‘green desert’ and are keen to see the land better managed to respond to the climate emergency and biodiversity crisis. 
 
The Town Moor is designated as a Site of Local Conservation Importance and a wildlife corridor that supports red-listed birds, including skylarks and meadow pipits.

Despite its importance for protected species, there is no management plan in place to balance the needs of wildlife, grazing and public access.
 
The Freemen describe themselves as ‘a conservation body' responsible for 'protecting the Town Moors and green spaces for the benefit of the city’s residents’.

But there is no evidence that the Town Moor is managed for anything other than cattle. 

More trees and hedgerows on the Town Moor will reduce soil erosion and flooding, improve air quality, capture carbon and provide valuable wildlife habitat.

Reducing mowing and avoiding pesticides will allow more wildflowers to grow on the Town Moor to support bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects.

Ponds and swales would support frogs, toads and newts and reduce flood risk.

Breeding bird enclosures on the Town Moor and a public information campaign will protect ground nesting birds, including skylarks, and minimise disturbance from people and dogs.

More allotments on the Town Moor will support wildlife, improve physical and mental health and promote food security for the city’s residents. 
 
All of these can be achieved without compromising the Freemen's grazing rights.

Newcastle’s Town Moor has the potential to support a greener, more resilient Newcastle, helping the Council to meet tree planting, biodiversity and climate targets and provide learning opportunities.

If you would like to see a proper management plan in place and see the Town Moor transformed for wildlife and people, please sign and share this petition.