Tyne United

Well building on the new clubhouse is now under way. To say it was ‘well under way’ would perhaps be an exaggeration but it has undoubtedly started. The most obvious consequences are the extra units for the builders and the quagmire that surrounds the boatsheds. With Tyne Head due on the 27th of this month the most obvious consequence is that there will be extremely limited parking! This is particularly the case for trailers. We will only be able to offer parking to those assigned to park on our site on this occasion and you should be prepared for deep mud. Bring your wellies…

Alex Pattison has approached BTCV (The British Trust for Conservation Volunteers) for support with long term plans that will improve the grounds around the club whilst helping to preserve and improve the biodiversity of the local area. With the support of BCTV he has been successful in securing a grant of £10,000 from the SITA Trust’s ‘Green Prints’ flagship scheme.

The project called ‘Greening Tyne United’ will be the last Flagship in the area and both SITA and BTCV have expressed a commitment and enthusiasm to support the project.

BTCV’s area manager Andrew Pennington said, “This is an ambitious and far sighted project that will enable the rowing club to create a little area of tranquillity and calm on a very busy site. The creation of this new habitat will not only provide visitors with new green spaces in what is predominantly an industrialised area, but it will also provide a much needed respite for local wildlife and an education facility for local schools and groups.” He added “It is very refreshing and rewarding for organisations like ourselves to be working alongside enthusiastic young people who are trying so hard to protect and improve there local green spaces”

BTCV volunteers (with Andrew Pennington 3rd from right in the back row)

Alex and members of the junior squad will be working together with BTCV volunteers to create a wide range of improvements in the grounds of the rowing club over the next two months which will include:

•    The planting of a small woodland.
•    Planting a native hedge
•    Constructing a living willow fence along the boundary of the car parking area.
•    Improvements to the footpaths on site
•    Construction of a wildlife pond
•    Building a dry stone wall at the entrance to the Rowing club

If you would like to become involved in helping with any of these activities then please speak to Alex who will let you know how you can help.

Pond building on a previous project