Biodiversity Boost in The North East

Shibdon Pond and Meadow are recognised as areas of strategic environmental importance within the North East and are both managed by Durham Wildlife Trust. Recently this contractor has successfully completed two environmental projects in Tyne and Wear aimed at improving biodiversity in the local area.

The first project focused on Shibdon Pond, one of the few large open water bodies left in the southern part of Tyne and Wear. As a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) it’s also recognised as one of the best wetlands in the region for wintering wildfowl. It is visited by hundreds of people every year keen to catch a glimpse of the many wetland birds that have been recorded, including kingfishers, martins and sandpipers. By removing overgrown scrub and invasive plant species, the contractor has been able to restore the grassland to a favourable condition that will enhance the biodiversity of the area.

They have also delivered a second biodiversity improvement project at the nearby Shibdon Meadow alongside Durham Wildlife Trust they worked to develop the meadow into a major wetland. The new wetland provides a much larger habitat for a variety of birds, insects and small amphibians, including toads and otters. Its proximity to the River Tyne means that it’s also an important roosting and feeding site for wading birds at times of high tide. The new wetland is also an invaluable resource for environmental education. A new designated viewing area also forms part of the project, with a wildlife hide screen now in place to ensure that members of the public can safely observe the site without disturbing the wildlife and their habitats.