Launch of the ‘Tees-Swale: naturally connected’ programme

By Dr Niki Rust, Programme Manager, ‘Tees-Swale: naturally connected’, North Pennines AONB Partnership

It’s been a few years in development, but today marks the official launch of the ‘Tees-Swale: naturally connected’ programme, which is a ground-breaking nature recovery initiative led by the North Pennines AONB Partnership and the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, supported by our delivery partners. This innovative programme has received £5.8 million funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and aims to restore, expand and connect habitats across the uplands of Teesdale and Swaledale, enhancing wildlife and delivering multiple public benefits.

Tees-Swale puts farmers at the heart of nature recovery

We plan to work with 300 farmers across the programme area to fund a range of restoration measures, such as reforestation, upland hay meadow restoration and habitat improvements for bird conservation. We have already consulted with over 100 farmers in the area and have secured nature recovery plans with many of these, with plans to significantly expand these agreements over the coming months.

Christa Nelson, the Swaledale Farming and Nature Officer based at the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, spoke with one of the farmers, Adam, who has signed up to be part of Tees-Swale. Adam said he’s interested in getting funding to restore and preserve his hay meadows. He has been part of some planning meetings, where he said that “it was nice to speak as a farmer and explain what we do.”

When asked why other farmers should get involved, he said: “the more farmers that are involved the more likely we are to be heard.” Adam is looking forward to having another meeting in June to show off his wonderful hay meadows that so many people come to visit each year.

Engaging people in the wonders of nature

Alex Kaars Sijpesteijn, our Tees-Swale Access Officer, oversees the improvements of more than 100 miles of trails across the programme area. She was also part of the development stage, where she helped develop links with schools and youth groups who will be part of our engagement work. Sarah Beard, a Young Carer Worker in Harrogate, was asked by Alex on her thoughts of Tees-Swale. Sarah said: “The opportunity for our young people to visit Swaledale and Teesdale is priceless. Living in towns can often leave young people unaware of their surroundings and the environment. We were lucky enough to get hands on with learning last year and would love future opportunities. Dissecting owl pellets seems like an unusual activity on paper, however, the young people were able to do this and learn in a way that remains memorable. Making butter together allowed them to remember where our food comes from. This was all done in a setting where they could explore and appreciate the Swaledale and Teesdale surroundings. This, in addition to learning about the environment, is beneficial for their mental health and allows them to enjoy team work outside the classroom.”

Want to get involved?

If you’re a farmer or landowner interested in signing up to the nature recovery aspects of the work, or want to volunteer to support this, please contact:

• Upper Teesdale: Ruth Starr-Keddle
• Lunedale, Baldersdale: Patrick Oulton
• Swaledale and Arkengarthdale: Christa Nelson 

If you’re a teacher or youth group leader and are interested in us running fun, nature-themed activities with your pupils or young people, please contact:
Niki Rust