£3m boost to restore River Tees catchment

The Tees Rivers Trust has been awarded a £3m grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for its Invasive Species Project, a five-year programme to protect and restore the natural heritage of the River Tees catchment.

The project will deliver co-ordinated, catchment-wide action to tackle invasive non-native plant species, improve biodiversity, enhance access to blue and green spaces, and reconnect communities with the River Tees and its landscapes.

The River Tees catchment is an important part of the North East region’s natural heritage, supporting valuable habitats, wildlife and landscapes enjoyed by local communities.

However, invasive non-native species such as giant hogweed, Himalayan balsam, Japanese knotweed and floating pennywort are threatening these habitats by reducing biodiversity, damaging riverbanks, limiting access, and in some cases posing risks to public health.

The Tees Invasive Species Project (TISP) will build on more than a decade of partnership working and the success of previous projects.

There will be practical invasive species management using a range of methods including manual, mechanical, chemical and biological control, supported by innovative approaches such as drone surveying to improve monitoring and targeting of work.

These activities will help restore river corridors, support native habitats and improve access for walkers, anglers and others.

Community engagement, volunteering and education are central to the project. Schools, volunteers, landowners and community groups will be actively involved in learning, monitoring and practical conservation activities.

In addition, the project will strengthen regional collaboration across the North-east by working with partner organisations including other rivers trusts, Newcastle University, local authorities and water companies.

Chloe Lawrence, project manager at Tees Rivers Trust, said: “I’m absolutely over the moon that we’ve received this support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

“We can now really get on with delivering a catchment-wide programme that tackles invasive non-native species, restores habitats, and helps people reconnect with the River Tees.

“I’m genuinely excited about what this means over the next five years and beyond, not just for the river, but for the people we’ll be working with along the way.

“I can’t wait to see the difference it makes and to meet so many people who care about protecting their local environment.”

Helen Featherstone, of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “Protecting the environment is a key priority for the Heritage Fund, so we’re delighted to support Tees Rivers Trust with this grant.

“Thanks to National Lottery players, the project will now embark on removing invasive non-native species across the Tees River catchment as well as increasing biodiversity and improving access at sites across the area.”

The project will begin later this year.