Durham wildlife project restores rare habitats

An environmental project aimed at protecting rare coastal habitats and wildlife has been completed along the Durham coastline.

Durham County Council and the Heritage Coast Partnership have worked alongside the National Trust and Durham Wildlife Trust to restore magnesian limestone grasslands between Seaham and Blackhall Rocks.

Backed by £1 million from the Government’s Species Survival Fund, the scheme focused on improving habitats for birds, insects and distinctive plant species found along the Durham Heritage Coast.

The area is globally unique as the only place where magnesian limestone is exposed at the coast.

Community involvement played a central role in the project, with volunteers, schools and local groups taking part in almost 100 events including wildlife surveys, planting sessions and habitat management activities.

The initiative also recorded more than 900 species observations through the iNaturalist app as part of efforts to improve biodiversity monitoring and public engagement.

Councillor Kyle Genner, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for neighbourhoods and environment, said: “We’re delighted at how successful this project has been. 

“Working alongside our partners, we have taken on significant work to help restore ponds and hedgerows along the route, improve more than 11km of paths to enhance public access, and plant more than 21,000 trees and shrubs at the Tina’s Haven nature reserve in

Horden.

“These combined efforts have helped to restore the grasslands, improve roosting for birds and create diverse habitats and better conditions for a range of plants and wildlife. 

“The project has delivered lasting environmental, social and educational benefits, ensuring the long-term protection and resilience of the county’s beautiful coastal grasslands.

“It supports our aim to deliver a practical environmental stewardship in County Durham, committing to improvements through strong partnerships with local groups and residents that help to build pride in our communities.

“I’d also like to say thank you and well done to our heritage coast team for doing a wonderful job and overcoming every challenge to ensure this project was delivered successfully.”

Eric Wilton, general manager at the National Trust – Derwent, Wear and Coast, added: “Coastal grasslands reconnected has been an exceptional project. 

“It has delivered a great deal for both nature and communities, providing habitat corridors to allow key wildlife species to move across the landscape.

“It has also connected communities to the coast and its nature, driving an immense sense of pride and stewardship for the area. 

“The project linked directly with schools and the wider community partners to enable people to help us create Tina’s Haven and it has been a joy to witness the impact nature has played in supporting people through recovery while they support nature recovery.”

Barbara Hooper, head of nature recovery for Durham Wildlife Trust, added: “Magnesian limestone grasslands are home to some rare and interesting species, many of which have declined dramatically over recent decades. 

“Protecting and restoring such habitats is vital to prevent biodiversity loss and the wider implications this has for the natural world.

“We were delighted to be part of the project, helping to connect local people with their nearby greenspaces so they can understand the important role such precious places play in the world around them.”

To find out more about the Heritage Coast Partnership, visit www.durhamheritagecoast.org 

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