In Great Park, Melbury and Greenside, Newcastle Upon Tyne, a grave situation is unfolding, a threat to the precious wildlife that calls this estate home. I've witnessed, first-hand, the tragic consequence of human and pet encounters with the local wildlife, leading to a distressing decline in animal populations. It's a heart-wrenching experience to see the natural inhabitants of this beautiful estate, struggling, hurt, or worse, due to mere oversight.

Great Park is blessed with an abundance of wildlife, providing an essential habitat for various species and bringing natural beauty to our community. Yet, without proper awareness and precautionary measures, this harmony is at risk. Many residents and visitors, perhaps unknowingly, allow their dogs to roam free and chase wildlife, inadvertently causing harm and distress to these innocent creatures.

Our proposal is simple but effective: we seek the installation of signage throughout Great Park Greenbelt areas where wildlife live and deer graze.  We need to alert dog walkers to the presence of wildlife. These signs should clearly communicate the need for vigilance and responsibility, encouraging dog owners to keep their pets on leads if they are known to chase the wildlife repeatedly.  Not all dogs chase wildlife this is for the ones that do all the time! 

By introducing well-placed, clear signage, we can build a safer environment for the animals and maintain the ecological balance within our park. This small step can have a profound impact—helping to preserve the natural diversity that is the hallmark of Melbury.

Not only would this initiative benefit the wildlife, but it would also bolster our community’s reputation as a wildlife-friendly area, fostering a culture of respect and care for nature among residents and visitors alike. We have a responsibility to protect the creatures that share our environment, ensuring that they can thrive alongside us.

We also urgently need proper fencing along the A1 which is in between Melbury and Greenside.   We have lost many wildlife and our precious dogs and cats too.   Since the roads were widened the Highways cut down lots of shrubs and trees, replacing them with dead ones that never grew? Leaving Great Park vulnerable and unsafe.  This is a matter of urgency before any other accidents happen.

We call on the local council, and relevant authorities, to take immediate action by installing these critically needed wildlife warning signs and securing safer fencing aling the A1. 

Let’s come together as a community to prevent further loss and to safeguard the magnificent wildlife of Great Park.  Please lets stop building on their land too.

Please add your voice to this cause and help us effect positive change. Together, we can create a safe haven for the wildlife of Great Park, Melbury. Please, sign the petition today.

Big thanks to everyone who signed the petition and thank you to Highways for putting up the traffic calming wildlife signs.  We are so very, very grateful!