Restoration of river bank saltmarshes begins

Restoration of river bank saltmarshes begins

Work to restore saltmarshes on the banks of the Tyne has started.

Marshes will be created along a stretch of Newburn Riverside in Newcastle by the environmental charity Groundwork North East and Cumbria.

The charity said it would improve water quality and biodiversity, as well as help tackle climate change.

Nature-based solutions lead Hellen Hornby said: "We have had some great success with other saltmarsh restoration projects in the region and are confident the Newburn site will deliver similar positive results."

More than 85% of the UK's saltmarsh habitat has been lost through "centuries" of industialisaiton, the charity said, which stripped away the muddy banks and altered the flow and speed of the river.

The project has been jointly funded by the Environment Agency and NatWest Group.

The habitat will be created by installing low barriers made out of materials like sticks in the water near the shoreline, to help mud build up and encourage plants to grow.

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Saltmarsh restoration planned for two river sites Published 11 November 2024

Saltmarsh restoration planned for two river sites

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