The operator of the Tyne Tunnels has teamed up with an environmental charity to transform a woodland above the river crossing - creating an accessible, sustainable community asset that will be enjoyed for generations.
TT2 is working with Tyne Rivers Trust on a habitat-restoration project in 45,000 square metres of forest that sits directly above the North-bound tunnel, in Wallsend, North Tyneside.
Once complete, the woods will be used by local community groups, schools and TT2’s 150 employees as a space to develop, encourage wildlife and carry out educational activities.
The first stage of the project has just begun and involves mapping flora, plant and wildlife species and monitoring animal feeders to help shape the plans for the restoration.
The nature development, which will be a continuous project over several years, includes planting a wildflower meadow and installing new fencing, walkways and creating clearings to host group visits and educational experiences. Schools and community groups will be invited to get involved, helping with things like making bird feeders and bug hotels.
Philip Smith, CEO of TT2, which operates the Tyne Tunnels, said: “We are really excited at the prospect of the tunnels sitting under a wonderful, flourishing, biodiverse green haven for wildlife, plants and trees that local people can visit and enjoy.
“The team here are keen to do everything they can to make the Tyne Tunnels as sustainable as possible and this project will be a key part of that.”
Tyne Rivers Trust is the only environmental charity dedicated to looking after the Tyne Rivers. Its work is vital to tackle the effects of climate change and support the wildlife and landscape of the Tyne waterways. Simone Saville, My Tyne Project Officer at Tyne Rivers Trust says: “It’s fantastic to see an unused space being transformed into a more diverse habitat for nature to flourish and local groups to enjoy.
“Making any space more biodiverse benefits the whole of the Tyne catchment as it supports the wider eco system.”
The Tyne Tunnels has slashed its carbon emissions by 90% since it changed to openroad-tolling last year and has achieved Carbon Neutral status for a second year running by reducing its direct and indirect emissions, from owned or controlled sources.
The biggest impact has been made from optimising energy consumption through employee initiatives and education, LED lighting installation and purchasing 100% green energy.
The recent introduction of open-road-tolling, a team garden with beehives, employee composting and an electric vehicle added to the TT2 fleet are all supporting the Government’s 2050 net zero target by reducing TT2’s carbon footprint and energy consumption.
TT2 recently announced that it is celebrating its green achievements by off-setting its 150 employees’ annual carbon footprints – which are a combined total of 1,043 tonnes, costing £4,533 – by donating that cash to help reduce pollution in Delhi, India.
In addition, and elsewhere, TT2, has donated 100 trees in honour of The Queen – and the first ones have been planted using the same spade Her Majesty used to plant an oak tree at the tunnels in South Tyneside, in 2012.
The Tyne Tunnels – which were both officially opened by The Queen – have gifted 100 trees to be planted in urban areas and schools to benefit future generations – as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative.
The Queen officially opened the first Tyne Tunnel in 1967, and when she opened the second Tyne Tunnel in 2012, she planted an oak tree at the entrance to the Northbound tunnel, in South Tyneside.
The very same spade used by Her Majesty has helped plant the first three TT2 trees – an oak tree outside the TT2 offices in Wallsend; a blossom tree at Northern Counties School in Jesmond, and an apple tree at Percy Hedley School in Forest Hall.
The Queen’s Green Canopy will establish over one million new trees in the UK. It was created to mark the Platinum Jubilee and has been extended by His Majesty The King.