New hedgerows will boost wildlife of the Tees Valley
Over 16,000 hedge saplings and 164 trees will be planted to create seven new hedgerows across the Tees Valley this autumn. The project coordinated by the Tees Valley Biodiversity Partnership will create see over 3km of hedgerow planted by volunteer groups.
The sites for the new hedgerows range from rural landscapes to urban green spaces. From gapping up an ancient hedge at Butts Lane in Hartlepool to community allotments in Middlesbrough, these hedges are being created to boost local wildlife.
The grant from the Tree Council, funded by Stella Artois, are also funding wildlife hedgerows at Fairy Del lin Coulby Newham, community allotments in Middlesbrough run by Middlesbrough Environment City, Coatham Marsh near Redcar and Seaton Common and west cemetery in Hartlepool.
The hedge saplings and trees have been carefully selected from a local tree nursery, Butterwick Trees to reflect the natural heritage of the Tees Valley. Quick growing hawthorn will form the backbone of most of the hedges with blackthorn and wild roses. For the allotment sites crab apple and pear are also been planted to provide a natural harvest for both wildlife and people. Salt tolerant species will be planted in the hedge at Seaton Common which is subject to coastal northern sea winds.
Teams of volunteers planting the hedgerow over the coming months include the Tees Valley Wildlife Trust’s midweek team, Hartlepool Countryside Warden volunteers, students from East Durham College – Houghall Campus, the Friends of Fairy Dell and green teams from employees at Lucite in Billingham and allotment holders in Middlesbrough.