Revitalising our Estuaries (RoE) is a new exciting programme of river estuary restoration that responds to the dual climate and biodiversity crisis. We work in partnership to improve rivers across the North East of England for local people and businesses as well as the rare and iconic wildlife that our rivers are home to.
Our coastal environments and communities have been significantly, disproportionately affected by environmental, economic and health crises; from climate change, litter and pollution to Covid, the recessions and deindustrialisation of our region. They are in desperate need of support to restore the water quality for wildlife; improving habitats, protecting priority species, as well as supporting those that live on their shores. RoE will deliver volunteering opportunities and improving local spaces to benefit health and wellbeing, as well as creating green jobs, and putting young people at the forefront of our Green Recovery.
RoE will support nature restoration and people who live on six of our major North East river estuaries.
Nature Based Solutions
Nature-Based Solutions are actions to protect, sustainably manage, and restore natural and modified ecosystems that address societal challenges effectively and adaptively, (simultaneously providing human well-being and biodiversity benefits). We have Nature-Based Solutions planned for all six estuaries. Examples include this scheme in Hebburn, South Tyneside, and the Esk estuary in Whitby which will benefit from the creation of new saltmarsh and mudflat. This habitat is important for storing carbon dioxide and helps to reduce the impact of climate change in the region as well as providing a home for unusual and exciting plants and animals; fish, crabs, insects and birds.
Our Partnership
We proactively work with over 100 strategic, business, governmental and non-governmental partners to achieve the water quality improvements needed for our river estuaries to thrive once more; for people and wildlife. This includes the Tyne Estuary Partnership which forms part of RoE’s activity. We are thankful for the major grant awards and corporate sponsorship that has made this happen:
- The Green Recovery Challenge Fund
- Environment Agency
- KickStart
- Caterpillar Foundation
- NE1, Gateshead and South Tyneside Councils.
More detail about Our Partnership is available here. If you would like to get involved, suggest a project, investigate joint funding opportunities or sponsor estuary improvements please contact Hellen Hornby at hellen.hornby@groundwork.org.uk or call 07548223757.
Our Impact 2021-2023
RoE will deliver innovative river estuary improvements through Nature Based Solutions (NBS) to improve the water quality and wildlife of our North East river estuaries for people and business.
Benefits
- Mitigate impacts of climate change
- Carbon storage & sequestration
- Environmental & biodiversity net gain (BNG)
- Biodiversity & species recovery
- Wider ecosystem services for the community, economy & environment
- More green jobs & environmental careers for under-represented groups
- Topical volunteering activities.
The project is underway and our teams of Estuary Rangers have been out all across the North East, including: cleaning up around the six river estuaries and putting on an educational events with community groups.
Thanks To Our Partners
Introducing Our Estuary Rangers
Join In