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Community Foundation North East is funding the Tyne Rivers Trust to bring people and nature closer together along the River Derwent at Shotley Grove. Through the RWE Renewables Kiln Pit Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund, Community Foundation North East has awarded £11,980 to Tyne Rivers Trust to support a three-year project focused on improving biodiversity, access and community involvement at the site. The funding is helping to deliver the first year of the project, which is already making a visible impact.
Pete Barrett, Senior Programme Advisor at Community Foundation North East, said:
“This project is a great example of how community benefit funding can support environmental and educational outcomes. We’re pleased to help Tyne Rivers Trust begin this important work, which is not only improving the local habitat but also encouraging people to connect with and protect their natural surroundings.”
The initiative is enhancing the wetland habitat and making the area more accessible for local people. The Trust hopes to install a new boardwalk alongside interpretation signs and fixed-point photography posts to help visitors engage with the changing landscape. The Trust is also running guided walks, volunteer training and education sessions for local schoolchildren, all designed to create a sense of ownership and care for the natural environment.
The project is being delivered with the involvement of the landowner and aims to build long-term stewardship of the site by empowering the community to take an active role in its care and development.
Simone Saville, Head of Learning and Engagement at Tyne Rivers Trust, said:
“We’re delighted to receive funding from the RWE Wind Farm Fund via the Community Foundation North East, together with the fantastic support of the landowner. This partnership is helping us bring the wetland to life — from inspiring local schoolchildren through hands-on education sessions to empowering the community to care for and enhance this valuable habitat. Together, we’re making a real difference for local biodiversity and community engagement.”
As the project continues, Community Foundation North East looks forward to seeing how the community’s connection to Shotley Grove grows, and how the site evolves into a thriving space for both wildlife and people. Community Foundation North East supports a wide range of environmental initiatives across the region, helping communities protect and enjoy their local natural spaces for generations to come.