Tyne Tunnels Volunteers Dig Deep
A team of hardy volunteers from the Tyne Tunnels traded their desks for spades this week, joining forces with us to plant over 300 trees and shrubs on a farm near the River Don.
Braving high winds and heavy rain, the dedicated group spent the day transforming the landscape as part of an environmental initiative to protect local waterways.
The newly planted trees and shrubs are set to provide a legacy of environmental benefits. Once established, they will play a crucial role in improving water quality, enhancing soil health, and creating essential habitats for local wildlife. Furthermore, the strategic planting will aid in natural flood management, helping to slow the flow of water during heavy rainfall.
Carol Yesson, volunteer coordinator at Tyne Rivers Trust, said, “We are incredibly grateful to the volunteers from Tyne Tunnels for their hard work and resilience in the wind and rain. Projects like this are vital for the health of the River Don. The 300 trees planted today will help protect the river and reduce flood risks for years to come.
“We also want to thank Tyne Tunnels for their generous funding of our Learning Programme. Their support ensures we can continue to inspire young people to care for our rivers, securing the future of these precious ecosystems.”
The event was made possible through the Tyne Tunnels Community Fund, which supports local causes with donations and staff volunteering as well as environmental activities.
Sophie Vassallo, Marketing and Communications Manager at Tyne Tunnels said, “The Tyne Tunnels Community Fund is dedicated to supporting projects that deliver lasting benefits for the North East. By partnering with Tyne Rivers Trust, we’re not only helping to protect and enhance our local environment, but also giving our team the chance to volunteer and make a meaningful difference in their community.”
This volunteering day is just one aspect of a strengthening partnership between Tyne Tunnels and Tyne Rivers Trust. Beyond boots-on-the-ground support, Tyne Tunnels has demonstrated significant financial commitment to the Trust’s mission.
The organisation recently awarded a £20,000 grant towards the Trust’s Learning Programme. This educational initiative is dedicated to ensuring that young people across the catchment area understand the importance of their local rivers. The funding will help educate the next generation on the challenges rivers face—such as pollution and climate change—and inspire them to become guardians of their local environment.
The project is being funded through a combination of grants from North East Community Forest and the Community Foundation.
