The River Tyne, renowned for its vibrant urban life, is also home to a unique and rare population of kittiwakes, the only seabird species that has adapted to nesting in urban environments. These remarkable birds have established their colonies on some of the most iconic structures in Newcastle and Gateshead, including the historic Tyne Bridge and the contemporary Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art. The presence of kittiwakes in such urban locales has made them symbols of the area, attracting the interest of both locals and researchers alike as they strive to understand the relationship between these birds and their human neighbors.
While the presence of kittiwakes has enriched the ecological landscape of the River Tyne, it has not come without challenges. The noise and mess associated with these seabirds can be burdensome for nearby businesses and residents, leading to the installation of deterrents like spikes and nets to mitigate conflicts with the birds. This ongoing tension between urban development and wildlife preservation has prompted a groundbreaking research initiative aimed at fostering coexistence in this bustling urban ecosystem.
The research is focused on the unique role that kittiwakes play in urban ecology, offering innovative strategies for maintaining harmony between human activities and avian life. The project seeks to collaborate with the local community by inviting residents, especially those living around the Quayside in the North East, to share audiovisual materials—such as video footage, photographs, and audio recordings—capturing the kittiwakes in action over the past decade. Such contributions are essential for creating a comprehensive understanding of how these seabirds interact with their urban surroundings.
To further this aim, the research has received a prestigious Design Exchange Partnership grant, part of the multimillion-pound Future Observatory: Design the Green Transition fund, spearheaded by London’s Design Museum alongside the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC). This funding will enable researchers to explore new models of urban development that better account for biodiversity and its importance within urban settings, especially as cities continue to expand and evolve.
The study adopts a "more-than-human" framework, delving into the relationships and co-dependencies that exist between kittiwakes, the urban structures they inhabit, and their human counterparts. This perspective underscores the significance of recognizing not only the ecological aspects of urban life but also the social and cultural narratives that shape these environments. By examining the River Tyne’s tidal estuary—an often overlooked yet critical habitat—the research highlights the substantial value of these spaces for both wildlife and human residents.
This initiative doesn’t merely seek to address the challenges posed by kittiwakes; it aims to pioneer a governance framework that promotes sustainable relations between urban entities and local wildlife. The project intends to employ multiple analytical tools, such as urban modeling, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and machine learning technology, in order to assess how urban development impacts biodiversity. Through this comprehensive approach, the research seeks to establish empirical links that demonstrate the importance of integrating ecological considerations into urban planning and policy-making.
Community engagement is a pivotal aspect of this project. Researchers plan to host participatory workshops involving residents, ornithologists, urban planners, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to co-create potential solutions for the complexities of urban biodiversity. By involving local stakeholders in this manner, the project aims not only to educate the public about the significance of kittiwakes but also to empower them to play an active role in shaping the future of their urban ecologies.
Leading this interdisciplinary team is Dr. Jiayi Jin, Assistant Professor of Architecture and Urban Studies at Northumbria University, who brings a wealth of expertise in understanding urban dynamics. Collaborating with her are fellow Northumbria scholars Dr. Bing Zhai and Dr. Ayse Ozbil Torun, who specialize in machine learning and GIS respectively. Their combined backgrounds in architecture, urban studies, and computational sciences will provide a robust framework for analyzing the coexistence of kittiwakes with the urban environment.
Moreover, Daniel Turner, an experienced ornithologist known for his work on seabird dynamics, will serve as a key advisor to the research team. His input is invaluable in understanding the life cycles and behaviors of kittiwakes, while promoting best practices for their conservation. The project will be further enhanced through collaborations with local organizations like Wild Intrigue and the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, which facilitate public engagement and elevate community involvement.
The research efforts also include an exciting component where art and architecture competitions will be held, encouraging local artists and designers to conceptualize ideas that bridge nature and urban living. This creative endeavor not only enhances community involvement but also reinforces the narrative that urban spaces can be legitimately welcoming to biodiversity. The project also aims to showcase how creativity can be a catalyst for innovative, sustainable design solutions.
Public awareness and participation are key goals of this initiative. Various public events are planned, including an upcoming forum designed to explore urban ecologies through collaborative participation. This forum will feature discussions among experts, showcasing their knowledge and insights – aiming to spark interest and involvement from community members who may wish to learn and share their perspectives on the subject.
As this research unfolds, it aims to position Newcastle and Gateshead as exemplary models for biodiversity-friendly urban development. By focusing on urban ecologies and the inclusive integration of nature within city landscapes, the project aspires to create a blueprint that can be replicated in urban areas across the globe. This approach not only addresses the challenges faced by kittiwakes but also challenges conventional paradigms of urban planning—envisioning cities as vibrant locales where nature and humanity can coexist, thrive, and celebrate their interrelated existence.
The call for community contributions to this research is clear: the project seeks any relevant audiovisual materials, further promoting inclusivity and a sense of ownership among the residents. Collectively, residents can gather together to share their encounters with the kittiwakes and how these interactions have shaped their views of urban wildlife. Through this collaborative effort, both researchers and community members can look forward to creating an urban landscape that respects, nurtures, and celebrates the diversity of life found along the River Tyne—a true testament to the potential of harmonious coexistence.
The future of kittiwakes in urban environments hangs in the balance of this pioneering research. Their adaptation and resilience in a city setting in the face of modern challenges beckons deeper investigation, revealing promising pathways toward innovative urban planning that accounts for ecological imperatives. The journey of understanding these remarkable birds and their significance is only just beginning, and with community involvement at the forefront, hope remains for a sustainable, biodiverse future along the River Tyne.
Subject of Research: Kittiwakes and Urban Ecology
Article Title: Bridging the Gap: Kittiwakes and the Urban Landscape of the River Tyne
News Publication Date: October 2023
Web References: northumbria.ac.uk
References: Future Observatory, Wild Intrigue, Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art
Image Credits: Simon Veit-Wilson/Northumbria University
Keywords: Urban Ecology, Kittiwakes, Biodiversity, Urban Development, Community Engagement, Research Innovation, Environmental Sustainability, Avian Habitats, Interdisciplinary Collaboration, Urban Planning, Coexistence, Conservation Efforts.
