On the 18th of May the Tyne River Trust delivered a river clean up along the River Ouseburn. The TRT is the only environmental charity dedicated to improving the River Tyne and its tributaries. The work that they do is vital to tackle the effects of climate change and support the wildlife and landscape of the Tyne Rivers.
They collected over 15 bags of rubbish including two trolleys from the river and a couple of traffic cones. They also pulled their first Himalayan balsam of the year.
Himalayan Balsam is an invasive non-native species which dominates riverbanks, reduces biodiversity, and exacerbates erosion. Removing this invasive species is really easy to do as the plants have such short roots and it’s a great way to spend a few hours outside, improving habitats and meeting other local residents.
The TRT hope to return to continue to tackle the Himalayan balsam later in the summer. If anyone would like more information or is interested in joining their team, either for the day at the park or for other activities, you can email Jenny Dowden on j.dowden@tyneriverstrust.org.
Newcastle Great Park Management Company.