Creating a space for nature

Helping nature thrive

We are creating more spaces for wildlife to thrive and give visitors more opportuntities to connect and explore nature. So work is underway to take an unused piece of land and transform it into a wildlife haven to support nature and help pollinators thrive in a place of beauty. 

As a conservation charity, we're aware of the national decline in natural habitats and our approach to land use reflects our aim to restore healthy, beautiful enviroments that help nature. Our vision is for nature, beauty and history for everyone. Our simple ambition with this project is to create a green oasis and nature-rich haven in the heart of urban Middlesbrough. 

So far

Some mixed native hedgerows such as hawthorn and blackthorn were planted to encircle the orchard. In Spring time they will provide nesting for birds and blossoms for pollinators. Then in autumn and winter their berries will provide essential nourishment for birds.

The perennial wildflower seed mix and meadow grass mix was sown in early June and should create a splash of colour this summer.

Look out for

In autumn the orchard will be planted with apple and pear trees as well as plums, damsons and gages. This will include apple tree varieties such as the Yorkshire Beauty, Hunthouse, Ribston Pippin and Acklam Russet. (Hunthouse was grown in the Whitby area and reputedly taken to sea by Captain Cook as a source of vitamins to prevent scurvy.) These will be accompanied by a collection of crab trees.

Also in early autumn the pond liner will be installed and the first meadow cut will be in September. Then in early 2022 the pond dipping jetty will be built, ready for the water and bog plants to be placed.

The reintroduction of the pond will create a mixed habitat for wildlife, including a shallow bog garden where marsh and bog living plants will thrive. Deeper areas will support aquatic insects, such as dragonflies, pond skaters, frogs, toads and newts. The pond will have a jetty where pond dipping can take place.

The vision

To create a wildlife haven for birds, butterflies and bees to feast and call home. The fruit trees will also make the land purposeful and grow fruit as the family once did in their walled garden. (which was located on nearby Ormesby bank and is now houses).

The wildflower meadow and orchard will have benches for visitors to relax in a space of beauty and watch nature up close at work.

The future meadow and orchard (PDF / 0.2734375MB) download