Tree Planting Target Reached
We’re celebrating reaching our goal of planting over 6,000 trees and 550 metres of hedgerow plants by the end of March 2025, along riverbanks and on farmland to protect and support the Tyne rivers, all of which were grown in Northumberland nurseries.
This was across seven sites, the majority of which were along the River Rede. The sites were chosen due to the presence of freshwater pearl mussels. This species is endangered and relies upon reduced sediment in rivers as well as shade; all of which is provided by planting trees.
Carol Yesson, one of our volunteer coordinators said, “Trees are extremely important for the protection of our rivers. They are well known for their climate benefits, helping to slow the flow of flood waters to reduce the impact of flooding and store carbon. They also create shade for animals that live in rivers whilst filtering pollutants and sediments to keep rivers clean and healthy.”
The trees were planted by our amazing team of volunteers, as well as volunteers from local businesses, community groups and university students, all overseen by Trust staff.
Jenny Dowden, another of our volunteer coordinators said, “It’s important to say a huge thank you to our incredible volunteers who dedicate their time to the Trust, no matter the weather. We could not do our work without them. We plant from November to March so go out in all weather, on exposed sites and our volunteers work very hard to achieve our targets.”
The trees planted by Tyne Rivers Trust were provided through funding and support from partner organisations including Natural England, The Woodland Trust, local farmers and Vet Direct.
As well as funding the trees, support also came in the form of funding staff time, paying for fencing and tree protection.
