TYNE TESTS: source to sea sampling by young dads

<<A group of young fathers who cycled nearly 90 miles along the Tyne have helped monitor its water quality. We can see the results in the display “Source to Sea” at the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Arts, which hosts the Young Dads & Lads group.>>

Although the River Tyne is now much cleaner,  some parts still fail to meet the national threshold for clean water. Newcastle University praised this project as an example of citizen science, which can help its researchers track the presence of varied types of pollution, such as farming run-off, sewage and industrial sources such as abandoned mines.

Four cyclists spent two days on the project, with each stop taking 20 minutes to gather samples to test levels of phosphate and nitrate. Their experiences have been captured in photographs and artworks, which also show the benefits of experiencing nature along the riverside.

The expedition was supported by environmental charity Tyne Rivers Trust, in partnership with North East Young Dads & Lads, which hopes other groups will get the opportunity to do similar challenges south of the Tyne, including along the Wear and Tees rivers. The charity believes these projects help counter stereotypes of young fatherhood, as well as giving an opportunity for a positive group experience.

Water quality remains a major cause of complaints, with campaign groups such as Surfers Against Sewage criticising water companies for failing to prioritise the usability of the river. 

Young Dads & Lads is a regional charity working with young fathers and their families is a project to improve the lives of working men who live locally and travel in sustainable ways. But their lives are often portrayed as being linked to deprivation and what they don’t have, rather than their contributions to the environment. 

** The “Source to Sea” exhibition runs to 4 January 2026

** The exhibition is part of a series of activities by young dads engaging in environmental research and creativity. It’s part of the Birds, Bees, Bikes & Trees partnership between the Baltic, North East Young Dads & Lads and Newcastle University, funded by the National Lottery Climate Action Fund. 

** Story research and photography: Megan Evans