Project Updates: Oldest to latest | Latest to oldest

24/01/2012 13:58: Fencing gets underway.

Contractors arrived on site towards the end of last week to begin installing the new fence lines.  Visitors will be able to see the new grazing compartments come to life over the next few weeks.

19/01/2012 13:33: Great start to the New Year

Saturday 14th January saw the first volunteer task get underway on Ferryhill Carrs Local Nature Reserve.  We had a fantastic turnout, with members of Durham Voluntary Countryside Ranger Service being joined by 11 local residents.  All got stuck in with the task in-hand of removing encroaching scrub from a wildflower rich grassland.  It was a great effort by all and we hope the next event will be as successful.

If you're interested in joining in, keep any eye out for other Community Conservation days on our website, http://www.durham.gov.uk/Pages/Service.aspx?ServiceId=468


 

17/01/2012 14:56: £23,650 Grant Awarded

Durham County Council’s Countryside Service has received a £23,650 funding boost from SITA Trust.  This funding will enable the Countryside Service to bring Ferryhill Carrs Local Nature Reserve grassland back into positive management by returning grazing to selected areas of the site.  Without positive management such as this, the site is in danger of drying out and losing its special qualities.
 
SITA Trust provides funding through the Landfill Communities Fund.  Funding is available for community and environmental groups to carry out a range of improvement projects.
 
Thanks to SITA Trust’s support, work will begin on Ferryhill Carrs in the New Year.  Contractors will be on site from early January to begin removing some scrub and installing new fence-lines with grazing animals returning later in the year.  Durham Biodiversity Partnership will also be reinstating wetlands within Ferryhill Carrs through a complimentary project.  Whilst these works are taking place access will not be affect however, please follow any safety directions given by contractors and site staff.
 
John Olley of the Countryside Service said ‘In addition to the contracted works we will be holding practical tasks over the year with support from Durham Voluntary Countryside Rangers and through Community Conservation days.  So, if you are interested in helping out, are able to spare five minutes or more, please look out for site posters or Durham County Council’s website for further details.’
 
Tammy Morris-Hale, Senior Ecologist said ‘Ferryhill Carrs is a large and important nature reserve, valued for its ancient woodland, fen or carrs habitat as well as it species rich grasslands. This much needed funding will enable sensitive, more natural management of the grasslands, helping to create a more diverse habitat for the benefit of both flora and fauna’. 
 
Jools Granville of SITA Trust said “ We are delighted to be support such an important project and are sure that the fantastic people of Durham will come forward to offer their time to help out at Ferry Hill Carrs Nature Reserve.”