North Tyneside 'dumping ground' transformed to nature reserve by community group

Daniel Hall
·3-min read
Fordley Planta in Dudley
-Credit: (Image: North Tyneside Council)


A community group has transformed a former "dumping ground" into a nature reserve with the help of a grant for community groups.

Fordley Planta in Dudley is a marsh that dates back at least to the 1600s, with the Seaton Burn river running through it. With the land too boggy to develop further housing on, over the years it fell into a poor state and became a hotspot for fly-tipping and antisocial behaviour.

However, a group of residents have been clearing and restoring the Planta since early 2022 alongside North Tyneside Council. They removed decades of rubbish including old bathroom suites, discarded furniture, car batteries and electrical appliances.

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Now, footpaths have been rebuilt to allow easier access for pushchairs and mobility scooters and many families walk through the Planta on their way to work or to Fordley Primary School. Some areas of the marsh have been fenced off to protect habitats and new planting has been added, enabling wildlife to thrive.

Today, the Planta is home to great spotted woodpeckers, foxes, two types of newt, bats, owls, herons and water voles. There have also been sightings of kingfishers and otters, which are considered an encouraging sign.

The Friends of Fordley Planta have recently bought landscaping equipment, educational display boards and wildlife cameras, with the aim of spreading the message "love where you live, enjoy don't destroy." This was enabled by a grant of £1,000 by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, with 88 handed out so far by North Tyneside Council of a pot totalling at least £1.2m.

Friends of Fordley Planta, who have transformed a former fly tipping hotspot into a nature reserve
Friends of Fordley Planta, who have transformed a former fly tipping hotspot into a nature reserve -Credit:North Tyneside Council

Terence Johnson, friends of Fordley Planta volunteer co-ordinator, said that the group had previously worked with a budget "close to zero."

He said: "The Planta has had decades of abuse but that has all but stopped now. The community is behind us in helping to look after this biodiverse habitat for everyone to enjoy.

"Involving the young people in understanding and being proud if their area is so crucial. It’s wonderful to witness local children volunteering, picking up litter, helping to plant saplings and getting hands-on with nature in a safe environment.

Friends of Fordley Planta, who have transformed a former fly tipping hotspot into a nature reserve
Friends of Fordley Planta, who have transformed a former fly tipping hotspot into a nature reserve -Credit:North Tyneside Council

"We are letting as many areas as possible rewild because these wetland ecosystems are so important. We are restoring and improving some of the ponds and we have seen amphibians flourishing along with other vital pond life.

"There is very little other green space in the village and we are passionate about protecting it for people and for wildlife, now and for the future."

Dame Norma Redfern, mayor of North Tyneside, said that the transformation the group had brought about in less than three years is "nothing short of remarkable." North Tyneside Council highlighted that a small grants scheme via the UKSPF is still available for grants of up to £1,000 to businesses in the borough until December 31, 2024.

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