Making a B-Line for the North East

What did the project do?

The project focussed on restoring wildflower-rich grassland through programmes of scrub clearance and re-instatement of cutting. In addition, green hay was been harvested from nearby wildflower-rich grasslands and used to restore and create new areas of grassland at Copt Hill and Hylton Dene.

The project worked to increase the abundance of wildflowers, and the pollinators which depend on them in several local parks in South Tyneside and Sunderland. Training was provided to local authority staff to increase understanding as to how simple changes to grassland management can help pollinators.

Buglife and Durham Wildlife Trust have led education activities at 14 primary schools, engaging with over 300 children. School sessions helped pupils learn about the process of pollination and why this is so valuable to both wildlife and people. Durham Wildlife Trust also worked with 7 schools to create pollinator habitats on their school grounds and wildflower seed packets have been provided to 80 local schools.

How can you stay involved?

Do you live, work or manage land along the Strathmore B-Line or are you part of a community group or school? We’d love you to help us create B-Lines; once you have created your flower-rich habitat please add your site to our B-Lines map.

Information, advice and support is available to landowners who would like to know more about B-Lines, and how to improve their land for pollinators through our Pollinator Guidance.