Stephenson Steam Railway Launches Crowdfund Campaign.

Stephenson Steam Railway Museum launch crowdfund campaign to redevelop an area of unused scrub land, into a haven for wildlife and a place where the local community can connect with nature. 

The volunteer-run heritage railway is transforming two acres of disused land into a Woodland Walk and nature sanctuary where wildlife can thrive. The team is looking to raise £2,500 to create a wildlife pond, which will become a focal point of the Woodland Walk. The pond will allow the museum’s learning team to deliver interactive wildlife workshops to families and school children, as well as an engaging programme for children with SEND.

The Woodland Walk will provide children and local communities with the opportunity to learn about the area's natural and industrial heritage and explore how this heritage connects them to the wider world. The redevelopment is a partnership between Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums, which manages the museum and heritage railway on behalf of North Tyneside Council, and the North Tyneside Steam Railway Association (NTSRA) – a group of volunteers who maintain the railway stock and operate the heritage train rides.  The project was the idea of the NTRSA volunteers who are passionate about preserving the wild areas within the museum’s local community. When finished, the Woodland Walk will attract wildlife and improve the site’s natural eco system, creating a nature conservation area that can be enjoyed freely by all.

Museum Manager, Geoff Woodward said "The volunteers have led this development with such enthusiasm and dedication.  We hope the public will support this worthwhile initiative so that we can turn our ambitious plans into reality for all to enjoy, and most importantly, encourage wildlife to thrive on the site.”

It is hoped that as part of the new ‘Woodland Walk’, the pond will encourage biodiversity and provide a haven for wet area species such as frogs, insects, dragonflies, mud snails and damsel flies. Additional features of the Woodland Walk will include -

• A sensory walk Educational lodge
• Wildflower meadow Butterfly field
• Art displays
• Bug hotels
• Reclaimed rail artefact displays.

The crowdfund campaign is part of Aviva’s Save Our Wild Isles Community Fund. All donations made by the public will be match funded by The Aviva Community Fund – so every £1 donated brings £2 to the project. The UK is home to some of the most incredible species on Earth, but it’s also one of the most nature-depleted countries. The Aviva Community fund have pledged £1 million to the Save Our Wild Isles Community Fund, which helps community groups across the UK to protect and restore nature in their local area.

Readers can support the project and donate to the Woodland Walk campaign here - https://www.avivacommunityfund...