VOLUNTEERS have re-planted dozens of trees along the bank of the River Tees near Gainford.
Members of Trees for Teesdale turned out in force on Saturday to plant 51 native trees, which included alder, rowan, cherry and field maple. The saplings have been planted on the north side of the river between Piercebridge and Gainford to replace trees which were felled last year. Adrian Johnstone, of the Gainford branch, said: “There were eight of us turned out and it took us a few hours. We planted native trees. That is the sort of thing the environment round here supports. We are going to try to do 50 each time until we have planted about 500 trees.”
Gainford residents had voiced their concerns after discovering that trees had been cut down alongside the popular Teesdale Way walking route. Due to fears for wildlife safety and suggestions of illegal felling, reports were made to authorities including Natural England, the RSPCA, the Forestry Commission and Durham Police.
However, the owner of MAK Country Estates Ltd, which bought the fishing rights on the land early last year, has since admitted not knowing a licence was required to carry out the work. They applied to the Forestry Commission and say they have been assured that one will be granted. However, they want to make it clear that the work they have done is to improve the area.
Owner of MAK Country Estates Ltd, Steve Rae, said: “When we first took ownership there were signs of fires and lots of litter and dog mess. The litter was a mixture of beer cans, foodstuffs and the remains of drug use.
“We came across gangs of lads from Darlington coming at night and lighting fires, smoking drugs and poaching. They were also leaving gates open and disturbing livestock. We hope to have stopped this and we now police the riverbanks ourselves.
“The whole point of the exercise is to improve the place, not to make it worse. Half a dozen to a dozen trees were felled, the rest was bankside pruning.”
Mr Rae said that the “felled” area is currently in the process of being regenerated with trees, woody shrubs and flowers. He said: “I should also point out that we have cleared parts of the footpath along the river bank which is part of the Teesdale Way. Some branches had come down and were either blocking the path or posing a danger.”
MAK Country Estates Ltd is also currently working with Tees Rivers Trust and say they have no intention, at this stage, to charge for fishing.
Meanwhile, Trees for Teesdale Gainford branch are calling on more volunteers. Contact 07745 399515.
