Navigating Urban Ecologies (NUE) project investigates the socio-ecological dynamics of urban kittiwakes along the River Tyne, focusing on their unique coexistence with Newcastle and Gateshead’s urban environments. Originating in industrial riverside structures in the 1960s, these seabirds now inhabit various urban sites, including the Tyne Bridge and Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art (BALTIC). While cherished by many, their presence has sparked conflicts over noise and waste, leading to deterrent measures. Employing a “more than human” approach, the research combines ethnographic study, GIS, and machine learning to map kittiwake habitats and interactions. It aims to reimagine urban planning to support biodiversity, fostering inclusive urban ecologies and sustainable coexistence.

Project Overview

The study is closely linked to North East England. It draws extensively on data science and social science research methods, including participation and co-design with the local stakeholders (residents, artists, ornithologists, architects, urban designers/planners, NGOs and council representatives, etc).

Through participatory sessions, we aim to involve diverse participants in collaboration and co-creation. Together, we will explore how inclusive strategies and participatory methods can be integrated into urban ecological planning and nature-based solutions. This approach seeks to improve urban planning, governance, and policies to better address socio-ecological complexity.

We warmly invite you to get involved! Join our events, respond to open calls, participate in the urban survey, and collaborate with local communities in co-design initiatives. Together, we can find innovative urban solutions that foster biodiversity and support urban adaptation.

Kittiwakes & Cities

Since the 1960s, the River Tyne has hosted the world’s most inland breeding colony of kittiwakes, with more than 2,000 pairs nesting along its banks, and over half of them within the urban core (NHSN, 2024). Each spring, these seabirds return to the Newcastle-Gateshead Quayside, where they make their nests on rooftops, streetlights, window ledges, and the iconic Tyne Bridge, Railway Viaduct (Dean St.) and High-level Bridge.

It urges a rethink of urban design and governance—not just for human needs, but for the survival and coexistence of all species.

Join us to explore how these remarkable birds adapt, what they reveal about environmental change, and how cities can respond.

Core Team

Dr Jiayi (Jennifer) Jin  Northumbria University Architecture and Built Environment                    Project Lead

Dr Ayse Ozbil Torun Northumbria University Architecture and Built Environment              Project Co-Lead

Dr Bing Zhai      Northumbria University  Computer and Information Sciences                        Project Co-Lead

Daniel Turner            Natural History Society of Northumbria  &          NEBBS Group Coordinator Ornithologist

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