The Tees Invasive Species Project (TISP) was allocated £216,262 of development funding by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
This will help the Tees Rivers Trust implement its plans before applying for a larger National Lottery grant of £2.6 million.Biocontrol of psyllid (Image: Tees Rivers Trust)
The aim of the project is to address the increasing problem of invasive plant species in the River Tees catchment area.
The project aims to ensure this area remains a safe and accessible natural amenity and supports the surrounding environment.
In order to manage invasive species and restore native flora, TISP plans to use a variety of methods, including herbicide application, biocontrol techniques, and manual efforts.Volunteer bulb planting (Image: Tees Rivers Trust)
The project will also make use of advanced technology such as drones to identify problem areas and monitor progress.
Central to the project is community education and involvement.
The TISP plans to deliver biosecurity training, workshops, and engagement events to encourage local residents, schools, and businesses to actively contribute to protecting the River Tees.Giant hogweed flowering (Image: Tees Rivers Trust)
Chloe Lawrence, project manager at Tees Rivers Trust, said: “The Tees Invasive Species Project represents a critical step forward in preserving our local environment.
“With the support of the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the enthusiasm of our community, we are not only addressing a pressing ecological issue but also ensuring that the River Tees remains a cherished and thriving space for generations to come.”
The project also aims to improve access to the river, making it a ‘safer and more welcoming space’ for recreation and leisure.Volunteer group spraying giant hogweed (Image: Tees Rivers Trust)
Helen Featherstone, director for England, North at the National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “Protecting the environment is a priority for the Heritage Fund and so we’re delighted to support the Tees Rivers Trust with this initial grant focusing on the River Tees and its surrounding habitats.
“Thanks to National Lottery players, this development phase will help progress plans to remove invasive non-native plant species, increase biodiversity and improve access at sites across the Tees River catchment.”
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Ben Lamb, CEO of Tees Rivers Trust, said: “We are committed to taking a whole-catchment approach to improving the Tees and this is only made possible by the ongoing commitment and support from all of the brilliant volunteers who work with us to tackle invasive plants and monitor the health of the river.Himalayan balsam flowering (Image: Tees Rivers Trust)
“Thanks to this funding, we now have a great opportunity to give the Tees some care and attention and enable more people to get involved with its improvement.”
For more information about the Tees Invasive Species Project or to get involved, contact Chloe Lawrence: chloe@teesriverstrust.org or visit https://www.teesriverstrust.org/