Discover Brightwater and Durham Wildlife Trust recently
held an event to mark the official dedication of Bishop’s
Fen, between Sedgefield and Bishop Middleham. At 218
hectares, it's part of the bigger Great North Fen project,
which is bringing nature and biodiversity back to 850 hectares of land
alongside the River Skerne, as it weaves its way through this part of County
Durham.
The overall aim of the project is to return the landscape to how it was 300
years ago, before the river was made to run straighter and faster, draining the
land around it and making it more profitable for agriculture, but taking away
wildlife habitats and reducing biodiversity. Reinstating some twists, turns and
carrs through the Great North Fen will not only help nature in the area, but it is
also hoped that it will play a role in managing the flood risks for the East Coast
Main Line and the A1(M), which run through the area.
Reverend Rick Simpson,
the Archdeacon of Auckland, led the dedication of Bishop’s Fen, and cut a
willow branch to officially ‘open’ it. You can find out more about the Great
North Fen project at www.durhamwt.com/great-north-fen.