Major Restoration Effort Begins on River Gaunless
Wear Rivers Trust and Northumbrian Water Launch River Gaunless Restoration Project
Bluespaces Project, funded by Northumbrian Water, is now underway to improve public access to, and enjoyment of, the River Wear and River Gaunless over the next three years.
Work focuses on three key sections where public footpaths run close to the rivers:
- Butterknowle to St Helen’s Auckland
- Broom Mill Farm to Fylands Bridge
- King James’ School through Auckland Park to the confluence
The Gaunless catchment faces challenges such as livestock pressures, limited riparian buffers, pollution from agricultural runoff, and fly tipping. This project represents a collaborative, multi-faceted effort to enhance water quality, restore habitats, and strengthen community stewardship of one of the Wear’s most intensively farmed sub-catchments.
We will be carrying out farm engagement, green engineering, woodland creation, the creation of fish passes, and public-space improvements including nature trails and interpretation boards throughout this project to improve the riparian habitat. Volunteers will help assist with much of this work, as well as carrying out Riverfly monitoring, water quality testing, electrofishing, litter picks, and invasive species management.
Education is also a key focus of the project, with schools and young people actively involved in learning about the history, ecology, and cultural heritage of the Gaunless.
We will be delivering the Wear Warrior Award to 12 primary schools and working closely with King James Academy to carry out a number of activities including riparian woodland creation.
By combining practical river restoration with education and community involvement, the project will create lasting environmental benefits while inspiring the next generation to become stewards of the River Gaunless.