Creating a Nature Recovery Network for Middlesbrough

Tees Valley Wildlife Trust is working to develop a Nature Recovery Network for Middlesbrough, starting by mapping existing habitats and designated sites across the town. This work will in essence serve as a pilot project for the wider Tees Valley area. The project is part of Climate Action Middlesbrough, and the Nature Recovery Strategy will include climate change adaptation and mitigation. 

The Climate Action Middlesbrough project itself is a five-year programme, funded by the National Lottery Community Fund. The programme aims to reduce the town’s carbon footprint through a combination of practical initiatives to reduce carbon emissions and creation of a well-informed social movement supportive of tackling the climate crisis. 

It envisages significant tree planting (30,000 trees grown from local seeds) and 50 hectares of habitat improvement or creation. The project will likely lead to a change in grass cutting regimes and a reduction in the amount of grass cutting across the town.