The restoration of the Upper Demesnes in Barnard Castle to a hay meadow was commended in the Natural Environment category. This project, run by the Friends of Upper Demesnes and Barnard Castle Town Council, has worked with numerous experts and volunteers to improve the biodiversity of the site and now summer visitors are able to enjoy a rich and vibrant meadow.
The RiverLAB project, run by Tees Rivers Trust, was commended in the Schools and Colleges category. This project has worked over the last few years with primary schools in the area to get the children out into the becks to explore the river life and then to produce art work. The secondary school programme has worked with the local schools to raise trout fry to then be released into the rivers. The pupils have been responsible for looking after the fish and have learned about their lifecycle and ecology.
The Heart of Teesdale Programme Manager Alex Sijpesteijn said: “It is so rewarding that the hard work and commitment of our partners is recognised at county level. These two projects deliver on the ground and make a real difference to people’s lives so it is great that this is acknowledged.”
