Maze Park
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Supported by Aggregate Industries
and The Rothschild Foundation
and The Rothschild Foundation
Maze Park
The Tees Valley Living Landscape aims to create a connected chain of wildlife habitats and natural spaces for the benefit of wildlife and local people, both as a natural resource and an important flood defence. The core of this Living Landscape includes two established nature reserves Portrack Marsh and Maze Park and a developing one, Bowesfield Nature Reserve. These are surrounded by a series of Local Authority nature reserves, woodland and urban parks which are part of a River Tees Rediscovered project, this scheme will connect these and the Wildlife Trust land to create a continuous area for wildlife to feed, rest, breed and therefore flourish. The area will also have walking and cycle paths from which to enjoy the natural surroundings.
The Wildlife Trusts
Intrinsic Value
The River Tees and its associated natural spaces include areas which have been identified as internationally important for the populations of ducks and wading birds that they support. Key species are Teal, Redshank, Curlew, Dunlin, Knot, Shelduck and Ringed Plover. The river corridor also provides habitat for biodiversity priority species including Great Crested Newt, Otter, Dingy Skipper and Grayling butterflies and species of dragonfly and damselfly such as the Banded Demoiselle.
The Wildlife Trusts
Emotional Value
Five nature reserves located along the course of the River Tees in Stockton, Middlesbrough and Redcar give good access to natural environments to people living or working at the centre of a large urban and industrial area. They are used for a variety of activities such as walking, running and cycling as well as bird and wildlife watching. The reserves also retain a variety of historical and industrial archaeological features which contribute to their “sense of place” and people’s feelings of attachment to them.
The Wildlife Trusts
Financial Value
Teesside has struggled to shed the negative images of its heavy industrial past. The return of Otters and Seals to the river demonstrates how carefully managed, modern industrial processes can operate alongside quality natural environments. Wildlife-rich environments are being used to attract new business investment in riverside areas such as Bowesfield in Stockton and to support the growth of tourist activity around Portrack and the Tees Barrage.
The Tees Valley Wildlife Trust has also demonstrated the importance of natural environments to people’s physical and mental health and the huge financial savings that can result.
The Wildlife Trusts
Societal Value
A key objective of the River Tees Rediscovered project is practical management and enhancement of the natural heritage of the Tees. This involves programmes of engagement and learning intended to restore the relationship between people and the River Tees and its wildlife. Activities are aimed at engaging people from local communities including residents, schools, employees and community groups. A variety of approaches are used to engage people from “hard to reach” sectors and those without previous experience of nature conservation.
The Wildlife Trusts
Get Involved
If you enjoy walking around the River Tees and the Trust Nature reserves, live locally and want to get involved with conservation on the reserve then why not join our new River Tees Reserve Team. The team will be dedicated to caring for our 5 reserves on the River Tees, along with a variety of practical tasks they will be ample opportunities to carry out survey work and to take part in our exciting events.
Reserve days will be every Wednesdays 10am-2pm. Pick ups can be arranged.
If you are interested or want more details please contact Amy from Tees Valley Wildlife Trust
acarrick@teeswildlife.org 01287636382