A fascinating project project to revitalise the heritage in the countryside surrounding the River Skerne in northeast England.
Bright Water is the landscape around the River Skerne and its tributaries. The name Skerne derives from the Old Norse “skirr” meaning ‘bright and clear’, a reference to the effect of sunlight dancing on what was once a vast wetland area teeming with wildlife.
That was the inspiration behind the name for the Bright Water Project which is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund and led by Durham Wildlife Trust.
The project’s aim over four years, starting in January 2018, is to reveal, restore and celebrate the heritage of the Bright Water area around the Skerne’s stubborn and quirky path. The major focus is to restore that vast wetland area, in order to help restore many species of flora and fauna.
“The aim is to take what we already have and develop the habitat so that it becomes a new wetland corridor for birds,” says Bright Water’s development officer Aimee Nicholson. “It’s a really exciting part of the project.”
By “part of the project, she’s referring to the two archaeological digs that will also take place on the property, in which the public can partake as volunteers.
The Bright Water Landscape Project is a Heritage Lottery Fund supported project that aims to reveal, restore and celebrate the heritage of the Bright Water area. This includes its built, natural and cultural heritage. The project will run from the beginning of 2018 to the end of 2021, by which time almost £3m will have been invested in our heritage. The section below provides details of some of these exciting projects.
The Bright Water Landscape Partnership is led by Durham Wildlife Trust and Durham County Council. Other partners include: the Environment Agency, Darlington Borough Council, the Tees River Trust, Highways England, Network Rail, AASDN, and various community and local history societies.
See full article by Peter Barron in the Darlington & Stockton Times.