Restoration of Rare Coastal Grasslands Completed
A £975,000 initiative aimed at restoring grasslands and a rare coastal habitat has been successfully completed.
The project, led by Durham County Council in partnership with the Heritage Coast Partnership, concentrated on rehabilitating magnesian limestone grasslands located between Nose's Point near Seaham and Blackhall Rocks.
Funding from the government's Species Survival Fund was utilized to restore and protect the area's diverse plants, insects, and birds, with a strong emphasis on community involvement throughout the scheme.
Durham County Council highlighted that the grasslands in Durham are "globally unique" due to the magnesian limestone exposed along the coastline. This project was among only 20 nationally funded initiatives aimed at halting species decline by 2030.
Volunteers, schools, and local organizations participated in nearly 100 events, including wildlife surveys and extensive planting activities.
The restoration effort was conducted in collaboration with the National Trust and Durham Wildlife Trust.
Project Achievements and Community Impact
Councillor Kyle Genner, cabinet member for neighbourhoods and environment, expressed his satisfaction with the project’s outcomes, noting improvements to 11km of paths and the planting of 21,000 trees and shrubs at 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."
Community Connection and Environmental Stewardship
Eric Wilton, general manager at the National Trust - Derwent, Wear and Coast, described the project as exceptional in reconnecting coastal grasslands.
"Coastal grasslands reconnected has been an exceptional project.
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."
Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor, and Instagram for more updates.
