VOLUNTEERS can play their part in keeping coast around Seaton Carew a beautiful place by joining in a host of planned activities. Teesmouth is a National Nature Reserve, right on our doorstep. In winter it provides feeding and resting areas for thousands migrating birds, in summer in May and June it is ablaze with wild orchids, yellow bird’s foot trefoil, a host of blue and meadow butterflies and nesting lapwings and skylarks. Seals have bred more successfully than ever before this year, and a new walkway and observation hide has been installed to ensure safe access, and to ensure visitors can see the seals without causing disturbance. A new nature trail has just been laid out with steps built by volunteers where the path is steep. The Friends of Teesmouth, Seaton Dunes and Common group works closely with paid conservationists to protect and improve the area that is home to a wide variety of plant and animal wildlife. The group adopted a constitution earlier this year. A series of task days have been held throughout the year to tidy up and improve the dunes and common. August’s activity saw benches installed for visitors at Seal Sands which is part of the Teesmouth National Nature Reserve. Bird hides in the area, overlooking lagoons were also treated with wood preservative. But don’t worry if you have not been involved yet as there are still a number of activities planned up to and including December. The next task day will be held on Thursday, September 19, when members of the Friends group, volunteers and professional conservationists will cut back Japanese rose and carry out a litter pick on the dunes and Teesmouth National Nature Reserve. Everyone interested should meet at the North Gare car park off Tees Road for 10.15am. Wear gardening gloves if you have them, although some equipment can be borrowed. Next month, the team will be back in action on Thursday, October 17, and Thursday November 21at 10 15 am when they will be clearing ditches to help wildlife flourish and make more open water for toads to spawn in the spring. In November, Seaton Common will be the site for some hands-on working. The final activity of the year will be on Thursday, December 19, when volunteers are wanted to help clear Sea Buckthorn on Seaton dunes, again at 10.15am. To take part in any of the events contact Stan Filipowicz on 07973 869792. Jill Oberlin-Harris said, “I think it’s a great tonic for carers if they can get out in the fresh air, especially when they have a heavy caring role – I find it helps me calm down when the going gets tough, or when I am feeling frustrated or angry about things, but I have to bite my tongue. I was born and brought up in Hartlepool, but lived elsewhere for 39 years. I have recently returned to the town to look after my elderly parents, and have found it really therapeutic walking in the lesser known parts of the dunes, and along by the sea, keeping a regular eye on things, and discovering surprises. I have taken hundreds of photographs there and up the Durham Heritage Coast, rediscovering places that have been magnificently transformed for the better in the millennium Turning the Tide Project. It has been a great way to meet people with a common interest, as I had to give up my voluntary role with the National Trust when I left the Cotswolds. I have also picked up many bags of litter, as I get really upset by the mess made by thoughtless party revellers in the dunes. This is something I can do any time, to fit in with parents’ sleep time, when I am “off duty”. Another carer is the Treasurer of the Friends, and he enjoys walking his dog in the dunes and on the beach regularly, giving him a break from a father with dementia.” There is also a regular meeting of the Friends to plan future developments, report on progress, and discuss problem issues. The next meeting is in the bar at the Marine Hotel, Seaton Carew on Tuesday 17 September at 5pm for about an hour. Any member of the public who is interested is welcome to come along. People with photographic, secretarial, admin and computer skills are very welcome, as well as those with management or teaching experience or knowledge of nature conservation issues.
Posted on: Sun, 08 Sep 2013 19:03:29 +0000
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