CHOIR SINGS FOR THE RIVER NORTH TYNE
A local choir will perform along the River North Tyne as part of a new project by Tyne Rivers Trust to celebrate what is interesting and unique about this part of the river.
The Native North Tyne project was awarded £153,380 by The National Lottery Heritage Fund in order to help people to discover the local landscape, as well as the unique and endangered species that are only found in this part of the Tyne Catchment.
Liz Walters, project manager at Tyne Rivers Trust says: “Thanks to National Lottery players, we’ll be working with community groups based along the North Tyne to celebrate the river in fun and creative ways. This funding provides opportunities for people to take part in new activities, learn skills and build confidence, post-COVID, by working together to improve the river.
“The North Tyne is home to some unique and endangered species, the only places that these species are found in the whole of the Tyne catchment – this includes the freshwater pearl mussel and white-clawed crayfish. We want people to celebrate what makes this river special.”
North Tyne Voices is the first group to take part in the Native North Tyne project. The Humshaugh based choir will be singing songs inspired by the river in three river-side performances later in the year.
Nick Hayward from North Tyne Voices says: “When you cross and re-cross a river, often several times a day, that river is pretty fundamental to your sense of the environment in which you live. We are delighted to contribute to the Native North Tyne project with our tour ‘to sing the source and course’ of the river from Kielder down to Humshaugh and to celebrate a feature of our landscape that has long inspired artists, poets, musicians, story-tellers, song-writers – and, yes, the singers of those songs, like North Tyne Voices.”
The Trust is looking for other community groups based near to the River North Tyne to take part in the project. Liz continues: “We’d love more groups to come forward to celebrate the river doing what you do best. Whether you are a choir, a theatre group or a craft group, we’d like you to use your talents to explore the natural heritage of this valley.”
David Renwick, Director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund said of the award: Landscapes and nature form the bedrock of our culture and heritage, improving wellbeing, sparking curiosity, and protecting and providing for the community’s surrounding and inhabiting them. National Lottery players have highlighted natural heritage as especially important, which is why we are proud to support Tyne Rivers Trust in highlighting the value of nature to all our daily lives through the Native North Tyne project.”
The project will also run bi-weekly volunteer conservation tasks to improve the River North Tyne. These aim to help people enjoy the outdoors and make a difference to habitat in their local river.
To get involved in the project contact Liz Walters: e.walters@tyneriverstrust.org or visit: www.tyneriverstrust.org.uk/native-north-tyne
