friendsofbrierdene.org.uk
The Friends of Brierdene started their conservation work in October 2006, but
the Friends were formed much earlier from a group of local residents interested
in try to improve the
local area known as the Brierdene.
Our long-term aim is to restore and improve the biodiversity in the Brierdene, with
the advice and support from North Tyneside Council. To achieve this
Northumberland Wildlife Trust, Environmental Agency and Butterfly Conservation have
been consulted on the conservation work.
The Friends of Brierdene have an elected committee which meets monthly, to discuss and plan the conservation work and general running of the group. A nominal membership fee is charged, which covers insurance for the working parties and general running costs of the group.
The groups patron is the BBC presenter Marian Foster, who actively supports us through her gardening programme on BBC Radio Newcastle.
The Friends of Brierdene were the Community Group Award Winners in the Newcastle Evening Chronicle Environment Awards 2008, more details on Major Events Page.
Because of the size of the Brierdene all major projects undertaken require to
be grant funded. North Tyneside Council has supported us by supplying
some of the trees, meadow seeds, wild flower plugs and skips.
Our major funding has been grants from the BBC Breathing
Places Big Lottery Fund, Heritage Lottery Fund, North
Tyneside Council, AkzoNobel, Northumbrian Water Authority, Community
Foundation Grass Roots Grants and the Postcode Lottery Fund.
We are working with various local
schools, where we can arrange a day's conservation activities, from hands on
work to Bug hunts. We also provide
conservation work for the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards.
The conservation work in the Brierdene is carried out by volunteers.
If
you would like to volunteer, the Friends of Brierdene working parties meet
every Wednesday and Saturday from 1000 to 1200.
Just come along to the car park at the Eastern end of the Brierdene and ask for
Steve.
For any further details please contact us.
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