Wildplaces

WildPlaces aims to enhance both the connection between the people of the North East and the wildlife around them and the connection between urban areas and the countryside.

Northumberland, Durham and Tees Valley Wildlife Trusts are working in partnership to deliver the WildPlaces project. The project aims to identify what species of mammals are present in the urban areas of the North East of England and the Trusts are inviting local communities to get involved at every stage of the process, giving them the opportunity to play an active role in the success of the project.

Central to the project will be the use of CCTV camera systems. These will be used to film and photgraph the wildlife that lives in our urban areas, footage of which will be hosted on our websites. There will also be the opportunity to take part in wildlife surveys, species recording and reporting and to learn mammal tracking techniques. 

If you would like to view some of the footage we have already taken with our motion activated cameras, follow the link below:

WildPlaces on YouTube

If you would like to take part or find out more about the project, follow the link below for the contact details of your local trust:

Contact Us

You can also visit your local Wildlife Trust website by following these links:

Durham Wildlife Trust

Northumberland Wildlife Trust

Tees Valley Wildlife Trust

The photographs taken at our launch events can be found if by following the link below:

WildPlaces Events

 

Wildplaces is continuing to work alongside the Environment Agency and Middlesbrough Council, for the latest edition of the becks newsletter, click here:

 

 

    

 

 

 

Three Becks Project

The three becks project is supported by Middlesbrough partnership and is centred around three becks which flow through east Middlesbrough, each with an accompanying area of local green space. These beck valleys are an important local resource for recreation and education and are easily accessible having pedestrian and cycle routes running through them. The becks have a diverse range of wildlife living in and alongside them, most notably the water vole, whose numbers are declining faster than any other British mammal, therefore it is one of the projects aims to maintain and improve the habitat that exists there in order for them to survive and hopefully extend their range to other parts of the Tees valley.

The latest newsletter can be downloaded from here.

 

 

 

 A quiet walk along one of Middlesbrough’s becks may result in a glimpse of a water vole like this one feeding beside Middle Beck.

 

This photograph, again taken on middle beck, shows the dexterity of the front feet which are used to hold food while the vole feeds. The feet, along with the teeth, are used to dig extensive burrow systems along the beck side. Some entrances to the burrows are under water and are used primarily as escape routes when the vole is disturbed.

 

 

 

Water voles mark their territories by leaving droppings in “latrines”, like this one on Middle beck, and are a sure sign that water voles are present.

 

 

Water voles can regularly be seen swimming along the becks as they patrol their territories throughout the breeding season. This one was photographed on Ormesby beck.

 

 

 

This photograph shows the ideal water vole habitat that some of Middlesbrough’s becks possess - mixed vegetation providing food and shelter, banks which are good for burrowing and not too steep and the water flow not too rapid.

 

 

Helping to keep the becks free from litter and debris prevents flooding and helps maintain the water quality which benefits both wildlife and people alike.

 

The project staff also helps to keep footpaths accessible to ensure visitors can enjoy the benefits of some of Middlesbrough’s green spaces.

 

Photographs by Kenny Crooks

 

An update of recent activities:

 

 

 

 Project staff are continuing to monitor the Water Vole population along the becks.

Early May 2006.

This Water vole was spotted peering out from a burrow entrance to check that all is well before emerging.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After approximately 10 minutes, the Vole decided it was safe to continue.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This Water vole is showing its liking for a piece of apple.

 

 

 

 
Photographs by Kenny Crooks  
 

During the summer of 2005, an after school club was formed with pupils and staff from Park End Primary School. The pupils who attend have named the group P.E.E.P.S. (Park end environment protection squad).

 

Activities have included:

 

 

During the winter months, the club took part in a variety of indoor, wildlife related games and activities.

Photographs: Kenny Crooks, Tolly Sinclair.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tree planting on the school field.

Some of the trees were planted in pots as acorns by the children, which they nurtured until large enough to plant out.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Educational walks on which the pupils investigate the variety of interesting wildlife and habitats that can be found locally.

 

 

 

 

 

On one walk along a local beck, the group were lucky enough to spot this water vole.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lunch break during a Saturday morning walk. The children have visited some of the trusts reserves to compare the different habitats and wildlife with those found along their local becks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
   

Latest happenings on the becks

 Kingfishers were regularly seen on the becks again during the winter. Anyone taking a walk along the becks at this time may have been lucky enough to catch a glimpse of one. Often a flash of red and lightning blue is all you see as the bird speeds past, flying low above the water. These colourful birds are rarely seen on the smaller becks throughout the summer, as they prefer steep banks in which to make their nest tunnels.

This female Kingfisher was photographed taking a rest above the pond area on Ormesby beck. Since the pond was renovated in October 2005 a variety of wildlife can be seen here.

 

Another shy bird, the Water Rail has also been spotted on Ormesby beck on a number of occasions. 

 

March 2007

 The Water Voles along the local becks are starting to become more active. They are more easily spotted at this time of year before the vegetation becomes more dense.

 

 

As well as setting up territories ready for the breeding season, the Voles are enjoying finding fresh shoots to eat after surviving mainly on stored food and roots over the winter months.

 

  

 Photographs © Kenny Crooks

 

 

As well as practical volunteering opportunities the project offers a range of educational activities including talks and guided walks for both schools and adult groups.

  

 If you would like to learn more about water voles or to help with the project, you can contact Kenny on 01287 636382

 

Email: kcrooks@teeswildlife.org