The Living Waterways project is an Environment Agency initiative delivered through the Durham, Northumberland and Tees Valley Wildlife Trusts.
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The project aim is to reduce diffuse pollution in urban areas and integrate improvements to wildlife habitats through community involvement, education and practical habitat management. The project seeks to increase public awareness of urban waterways and promote the importance of these streams as habitats and corridors for wildlife while contributing towards Durham Biodiversity Action Plan targets and the European Water Framework Directive.
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The project involves engaging local people in the management of their waterways and associated green spaces. There is a range of community engagement events held throughout the year including consultation and information sessions, stream clean ups, family fun days and education sessions held in local schools. These events ensure the project is community led and that local people have a say in the use of urban streams in their area.
WATCH WILDLIFE CAUGHT ON CAMERA BY LIVING WATERWAYS here…..!
Initially funded for 3 years from 2009 to find sustainable solutions to flood risk in urban areas, the Living Waterways project has recently secured an additional 3 years funding from the Environment Agency. The new aim of the project is to deliver Water Framework Directive targets across County Durham and the boroughs of South Tyneside, Gateshead, Sunderland and Darlington. For more information about the project please contact Michael Rogers or Patsy Ryan on (0191) 584 3112 or email mrogers@durhamwt.co.uk
CURRENT PROJECTS
River Don Project, South Tyneside
In March 2012, a backwater was installed on the river Don in West Boldon following a year of public engagement and consultation. The aim of the backwater is to store water during times of high flow, therefore reducing the amount in the main river channel and reducing flood risk downstream. Although they do not completely eradicate the risk of flooding in any given area, they serve an important role in slowing down the flow and preventing flash flooding downstream. Backwaters are also a vitally important refuge for wildlife such as water voles, otters and fish.
CLICK here to see video footage of a water vole on the River Don in April 2012……………
The images below shows the backwater in high flow and low flow conditions.
As part of the River Don project, Living Waterways have been leading volunteer stream clean ups to keep the River Don free of litter and obstructions that can increase the risk of flooding and impede wildlife connectivity.
