All around the North East Environment Agency staff work day and night to protect our region’s natural assets. From the Tweed to the Tees flytippers are caught, while flood defences protect homes from heavy rainfall and beautiful salmon are reared to be released and thrive in our rivers. Here we look at some of the projects which are helping to climate-proof the North East and prepare our environment for the future
1. Creating new coastal habitats in Northumberland
Wildlife havens are being created where the sea used to be kept at bay.
Man-made flood defences along parts of the Northumberland coast are being scrapped in favour of letting water in to improve habitats for wildlife such as seabirds.
The Northumberland 4shores project aims to create natural ways of cutting flood risk, while also adding to recreation, and tourism.
Project work is almost finished at Alnmouth and is due to start next at Beal.
2. Sustainable flood risk management
Blending flood defences into their surroundings is another part of the Environment Agency’s work in Northumberland.
The Agricultural Floodbanks Project is an exciting opportunity to create sustainable flood defences and valuable habitat for a wide variety of species.
The Agency is already working with farmers on the River Till to remove some of the flood banks so the natural floodplain can be restored and is looking for similar sites on both the Wear and Tees.
3. Reducing flood flows in Belford
The risk of flooding Belford will be cut thanks to work going on with people who own land upstream.
The project will create new areas for wildlife and reduce pollution from farmland in the Belford Burn, as well as slowing down runoff which can cause flooding when it rains.
4. An added attraction at the Kielder Salmon Hatchery
Learning about one of our region’s most beautiful and iconic species will be brought to life at a new visitor centre.
Opening this summer, the centre, at the salmon hatchery, will allow visitors to learn all about the life of the fish through state of the art video, graphics and touch screens.
The important work of the hatchery, which ensures salmon stocks in the Tyne are kept strong, will also be explored.
5. A new flood defence at Haydon Bridge
A worn out flood wall will be replaced by a more attractive version to prevent flooding in the future.
The existing, but ageing, defence at Brigwood in the town, will be replaced with a new wall, using Redi Rock concrete patterned blocks.
Problems with the current defence were uncovered during flooding in 2005.
6. Help to protect fish in the Tyne
Anglers can help the Environment Agency find out more about the types, ages and numbers of fish in the Tyne.
Fishermen and women can send in scales from salmon and sea trout which can be “read” to find out the age of the fish.
The scheme, which aims to preserve the Tyne as a thriving haven for salmon and trout, is supported by Hardy & Greys Ltd, Bagnall & Kirkwood Ltd, Tyne Rivers Trust and the Salmon and Trout Association.
7. Enjoy the River Derwent
Boosting the profile of another of our region’s rivers is also an important project for the Environment Agency.
The River Derwent Access project aims to give local people more opportunities to use and enjoy the River Derwent.
Working with various partners including Gateshead Council and the Tyne Rivers Trust, the Agency is looking to restore salmon stocks, improve habitats and promote angling.
8. Improving urban streams in Tyneside and Middlesbrough
Scores of streams and burns run past city streets and under our feet.
Projects like Living Waterways aim to work with people to find out any problems with streams, such as flooding, and make them into a local wildlife resource.
The Agency is working with the Northumberland Wildlife Trust, Durham Wildlife Trust, Tees Valley Wildlife Trust and Middlesbrough Council.
9. Cracking down on waste criminals
Dedicated officers are working with councils and police in Northumberland and Durham to clamp down on fly-tippers in dumping hotspots.
Hidden cameras are being used to catch criminals in some areas, while a campaign to raise awareness about illegal dumping and tough punishments for those caught act as a deterrent.
10. The Tyne Salmon Trail
A unique moving art exhibition along the banks of the Tyne allows people in the region to learn about the life of the salmon and what activities are on offer along the river.
Migratory cubes, representing different aspects of the Tyne salmon, are travelling down the Tyne from its source, at Kielder, to the sea at Tynemouth.
The project is a partnership with xsite architecture and Commissions North.
Climate change in North East schools
The problem of global warming and how young people can tackle it is being taken into North East schools.
The Climate Change Schools Project aims to raise awareness and understanding of climate change for young people through the national curriculum.
It will also promote the North East as the country’s centre of excellence in terms of climate change teaching, learning and positive action.
This touring trailer graphically demonstrates the risks of flooding to homes and how householders can protect themselves.
It will travel around the area visiting communities, schools and councils and will also appear at the World Environment Day celebrations on June 5, at Greys Monument.