Water firm to restore land during pipe work
The plans involve planting wildflowers and native grasses
- Published
A water firm will restore 15 acres of grassland in a project it claims will mitigate the biodiversity impact of laying new pipe.
The move is part of Northumbrian Water's 拢155m scheme to upgrade ageing water pipes in Durham and Tees Valley.
The company is taking over a piece of land between Shildon and Bishop Auckland where it plans to plant wildflowers and hedgerows.
Official Paul White said the work would "contribute significantly towards no net [biodiversity] loss" due to the pipe project.
Hedgerows, scrub and woodland will be planted, alongside the creation of new ponds, with the company taking a 31-year lease on the land.
"[We] will work with the landowner to develop and manage the site for the long term," Mr White said.
The first phase of the pipeline project is about 90% complete, according to the company.
Phase two, which involves laying a new water pipe between Gainford and Long Newton, will be constructed between 2025 and 2028 pending planning approval.
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