Conservation funds awarded for rare arctic-alpine species in Upper Teesdale project

Teesdale Special Flora Research and Conservation Trust has been awarded funding from the North Pennines National Landscape through Defra’s Farming in Protected Landscapes programme for a three-year rare arctic-alpine species recovery project.
The project has been awarded £64,739 and will be delivered in partnership by the Teesdale Special Flora Trust and the North Pennines National Landscape team.

Upper Teesdale is considered one of the top 5 ‘botanical hotspots’ in Britain and Ireland due to its unusually large number of rare plant species, and the fact that plants with very different geographical distributions grow here together.

The Teesdale special flora comprises over 100 plant species of conservation interest, including the Teesdale Assemblage, a unique community of 20 rare and endangered arctic-alpine plants. The ‘Teesdale Assemblage’ of rare plants is considered to have survived continuously since shortly after the last glaciation some 10-12,000 years ago, e.g Spring Gentian* (Gentiana verna), Bird’s-eye primrose (Primula farinosa), Spring sandwort (Minuartia verna) Teesdale violet (Viola rupestris), Mountain everlasting (Antennaria dioica), Sea thrift (Armeria maritima), Mountain avens (Dryas octopetala), False sedge(Carex simpliciuscula) and Teesdale’s Hoary Rock-rose (Helianthemum canum ssp laevigatum), Alpine bartsia, (Bartsia Alpina) Alpine bistort, (Bistorta vivipara) Sea Plantain, (Plantago maritima).

The project will involve the collection of seed from plants in suitable ‘hot spots’ where populations are large enough. These have been identified from the records of systematic surveys undertaken by the Teesdale Special Flora Trust over a number of years. There will be further mapping of the rare species across the upper Teesdale Assemblage and plug plants will be planted out into management trial plots on the fell.

Volunteers will be provided with training in plant identification, seed collection and propagation, and sowing at the end of the season.

Dr Margaret Bradshaw Founder of Teesdale Special Flora Trust said: The Trust was established to promote research into, and conservation of, the special flora of Upper Teesdale and to raise awareness of the fragility of the special flora and the importance of protecting it. This project is crucial to support the ongoing research and conservation of these rare species.”

This season Patsy Bigley has been working as Botanical Assistant for the Trust. Patsy said: “Plants have always been my passion, and I’ve trained and worked in horticulture for years before moving into conservation. I’m really looking forward to getting to grips with Upper Teesdale and working with the Trust to help safeguard this rare flora for the future.”

The funding is conditional upon the Trust providing £15,000 supporting funds over three years. Donations to support the work of the Trust in researching and conserving the special flora of Upper Teesdale can be made via the Trust’s website link here: Save Teesdale’s Special Flora – JustGiving

Sarah Tooze, Programme Manager for Natural Heritage at the North Pennines National Landscape said: “The Upper Teesdale arctic-alpine assemblage is one of the country’s most important groupings of rare wild plants, including over 170 species of plants which are of conservation concern, such as bird’s eye primrose, spring gentian and yellow marsh saxifrage. These plants are identified as champion species of the North Pennines National Landscape in the forthcoming management plan and we have a responsibility to look after them.
“We are looking forward to working with local farmers on ways to support these fragile species. Staff from our team will also support by helping to train volunteers on seed collection.”

Contact: Sarah Hudspeth, Communications Lead from the North Pennines National Landscape team for further information – shudspeth@northpennines.org.uk Phone: 01388 528801 / 07768 123247

Notes to Editors:

Teesdale Special Flora Trust
Teesdale Special Flora Trust was founded in 2017 by Dr Margaret Bradshaw to promote research into, and conservation of, the special flora of Upper Teesdale including the Teesdale Assemblage, and to raise awareness of the fragility of the special flora and the importance of protecting it. In early 2020 the Trust became a company limited by guarantee company number 12436150 and charity number 1188288 to develop its capacity to raise funds and apply for grants.
Contact Martin Rogers: martinjohn.rogers@gmail.com, tel: 07967 229351

North Pennines National Landscape

1. The North Pennines National Landscape is one of England’s most special places – a peaceful, unspoilt landscape with a rich history and vibrant natural beauty. It was designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in 1988. The purpose of this nationally recognised designation is the conservation and enhancement of the natural beauty of the area.

2. At almost 2,000 sq. kilometres the North Pennines is the second largest of the 46 National Landscapes (in England, Wales and Northern Ireland) and is one of the most peaceful and unspoilt places in England. Visit www.landscapesforlife.org.uk for information about the National Landscapes family.

3. The North Pennines lies between the National Parks of the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales, and Northumberland with the urban centres of County Durham away to the east. Parts of the National Landscape are within the boundaries of four local authorities; Cumberland Council, Durham County Council, Northumberland County Council, and Westmorland & Furness Council.

4. The North Pennines National Landscape Partnership is an alliance of public, statutory and voluntary sector bodies with an interest in the future of the North Pennines. The work of the Partnership is carried out by the National Landscape team which takes action to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the area, to raise awareness of its special qualities and to improve the quality of life for local people.

5. UNESCO Global Geopark – As well as being a National Landscape, the North Pennines is a UNESCO Global Geopark. This puts the area’s Geopark status in the same UNESCO family as World Heritage Sites and Biosphere Reserves. UNESCO Global Geoparks are places with outstanding geology where special effort is made to make the most of geological heritage to support community and economy. Locally this includes producing geo-trails, developing projects with school and community groups, producing displays for visitor attractions and holding geology festivals and events.
Conservation Funds awarded for rare arctic-alpine species to Teesdale Special Flora Trust.

To support the work of the Trust  Save Teesdale’s Special Flora – JustGiving