Winn Group is delighted to announce a new CSR partnership with the local charity, Ouseburn Farm.

Dedicating £10,000 to the inner-city farm space, this funding will be used to create a new aviary for the birds living on site, enhancing what the venue can offer to its 40,000 annual visitors.

Those visitors are primarily children from the local area, who may never see a farm while growing up in Byker.

There is also a focus on encouraging those with disabilities and learning difficulties to volunteer and enjoy working in a structured environment.

Open to all, Ouseburn Farm attracts visitors throughout the year and is funded through donations and grants, like the funding we, as a company, are providing.

What will the aviary include?

The aviary is expected to take the following shape:

• A large space positioned close to the main entrance, a first greeting for all visitors.
• Sections for different birds that closely mimic their natural habitat, giving them more freedom and space to explore, showcasing sustainable animal care.
• New birds to enrich the learning experience of visitors.
• Improved signage and interactive activities to enhance engagement.

How will it be used

Of course, it will be used as a house for the birds on site. However, it will also lead to creative workshops, including family drawing activities, and bird mask-making, as well as caring for birds workshops for children aged seven-plus and contributing to placements for those who have learning disabilities and autism.

Expected impact

The hope from those associated with the Farm is that it enhances the experience for all visitors, provides valuable educational and workshop opportunities, as well as adds to their offering for day-to-day visitors and the many school trips that are hosted at Ouseburn Farm.

What they said

Katie Bates, Ouseburn Farm Manager, said: "Ouseburn Farm is so thankful to the generous people at Winn Group for their gift, which will fund the creation of a new aviary and support our ornithology project with young people.

“The aviary will provide a permanent space for learning and connection with nature, where participants can gain practical experience caring for birds and exploring local wildlife.

“Thanks to this support, we can offer more opportunities for young people to grow in confidence and discover new interests at the farm.”

Ross Jackson, Deputy CSR Lead, said: “This is another fantastic demonstration of our commitment to giving back to our local community.

“This donation enhances what Ouseburn Farm can offer to thousands of local visitors each year and brings valuable information and new experiences to inner-city children.

“Taking our CSR programme up a few gears, supporting Ouseburn Farm is part of a strategic donation drive to assist charities that help children in our region.

“Alongside our support of St Martin’s Centre, and the funding of Percy Hedley’s music therapy programme for disabled children, off the back of significant funding of the Lighthouse Project (a community centre in Byker Wall), we are adding real value to local projects, positively impacting our local community.”