SCHOOL pupils from the
dale have been learning more about the geology and unique flowers of the area through leading botanist Dr Margret Bradshaw’s botany group.
Middleton-in-Teesdale Primary School and Teesdale School pupils have already benefited from visits to Cow Green Reservoir where, with the help of artist Sara Cox, Dr Bradshaw and Margaret Morton, of the Upper Teesdale Botany Group, they explored why the area is important for rare plants and made preliminary sketches.
The visits were made possible through the Plants on the Edge project, which aims to find out why there has been a decline in some species.
Naomi Priestley, from Plants on the Edge, said: “The students have focused on the plants’ adaptations in order to create some fantastic art. These will help to tell the story about our rare plants.” She said people can learn more about the “Teesdale assemblage” – the uniquely rich association of plants in Upper Teesdale – by visiting the Plants on the Edge Exhibition at The Witham Gallery, in Barnard Castle, in August.
Plants on the Edge is funded through a £222,400 grant from the Government’s Green Recovery Challenge Fund. It is being delivered by Teesdale Special Flora Trust working with Natural England, Northern Heartlands and North Pennines AONB Partnership, along with members of the Upper Teesdale Botany Group, to engage more people.
Ms Priestley said: “Students from Barnard Castle School and Middleton-in-Teesdale Scout group will also be researching the flora later this month.”
A new calendar guide to the flora, The wild flowers of Cronkley Fell, Widdybank Fell and Widdybank Pasture, created by Geoff Herbert has just been published through the project.
Dr Bradshaw and Mr Herbert are also leading walks for adults this month and next.
She is managing an ambitious project to document the presence of invasive garden lady’s-mantle, alchemilla mollis, this summer.
Anyone interested in finding out more about any of these events and getting involved with the Plants of the Edge project can contact Naomi Priestley at naomi.
priestley@northernheart
lands.org or visit teesdale
specialflora.uk/events/
