Tees Valley Wildlife Trust’s nature reserve Coatham Marsh has been targeted by thieves for the second time in as many months. The Trust who manages the reserve has been working with a number of its volunteers to improve the appearance of the entrance to the reserve from Tod point Rd, by tidying up the area and replacing the fences.
Amy Carrick the Trust’s River Tees Rediscovered Project officer said “Volunteers who give up their free time to help have been really disappointed to return and see their hard work destroyed and fences removed.”She continues. “I am planning my programme for this year and considering if it is worth spending time and money to do the work if the same is going to happen again.”
Coatham Marsh is a series of pools and reed swamp; the last remaining wildlife habitats that have survived the industrial and urban reclamation of virtually the entire south Tees estuary. The reserve is bordered to the north by the dramatic Redcar blast furnace and to the south by residential areas of the town, but it still manages to provide a sanctuary for more than 200 species of bird and a wonderful variety of wildflowers. The Trust manages the site for wildlife and people and the site is well used by locals especially to walk their dogs. If anyone has any information about the incidents please let the Trust know on 01287 636382.