• Thu. Mar 28th, 2024

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Deserved recognition for volunteers

Screen Shot 2016-03-13 at 20.03.27A group of volunteers have been recognised for their dedication to creating and maintaining wildlife havens.

The Heathland Heartland Project, a two-year Heritage Lottery funded scheme, involves the restoration of lowland heath around the Stanley and Annfield Plain areas.

Volunteers spend one day every week, come rain or shine, making urban fringe sites suitable for wildlife and making sure they stay that way.

In recognition of their efforts, the group has been awarded a ‘Caring for your environment’ certificate by the County Durham Environment Partnership, which is made up of various partners including Durham County Council.

Volunteers come from all walks of life and varying backgrounds. With no previous experience, they have learnt a range of new skills including felling small trees, laying windrows, identifying species of plants and butterflies, surveying and gaining an understanding of the importance of lowland heath and habitats.

The group recently removed more than 50 bags of rubbish from one site alone and have cleared away old collapsed wire fences and reseeded and plug planted other areas.

Laura Tedstone, Heathland Heartlands project officer, said: “The work of volunteers is very important within the conservation sector – without their hard work, dedication and persistence in all weathers, restoration of these heathland habitats would be unachievable.”

Oliver Sherratt, chair of the coastal, heritage and landscape group of the County Durham Environment Partnership, said: “These volunteers give up their free time every week to manage their local area for wildlife, which clearly demonstrates how much they care for their environment.

“Their hard work and dedication has transformed a number of areas, making them safer and cleaner spaces for people and wildlife.

“This is a fantastic example of a group of people from different backgrounds taking pride in their environment and helping to make it altogether greener and they are fully deserving of their award.”

To find out more about the County Durham Environment Partnership visit www.countydurhampartnership.co.uk, email environmentpartnership@durham.gov.uk or call 03000 266 099. You can also look out for #altogethergreener on Twitter.

Photo Caption: From left to right, are Laura Tedstone, Heathland Heartlands project officer, Stuart Priestley, senior ecologist from Durham County Council, Brian Shields, Ali Carpenter, Malcolm Wilkinson, Audrey Webster, Stuart Cowley and Linda Shields.

By admin