In November 2015, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) approved a grant, allowing funds for the CVCG to embark on this exciting project to recreate a traditional meadow area within the Reserve, using traditional tools and techniques, to return part of the site close as possible to how it would have been, prior to the pit shafts being sunk in the late 19th century.

This project is led by Gateshead Council with full support from Clara Vale Conservation Group.

People will have opportunities to participate in a range of volunteer activities including: scrub clearance, seed and green hay collection and distribution, hay cutting and collecting, and flora and fauna surveys. Limited training places on the safe use of certain machinery and implements will be provided.

Infrastructure will be put in to allow traditional after grazing of the fenced meadow areas by rare conservation breeds, while still allowing public access, including wheel chairs and buggies.

As the project progresses, we aim to have at least one community meadow picnic event, date to be advised.

The HLF grant funding for this project has a defined period for us to complete what we have set out to do and report on all aspects by November 2016, however, the longer term benefits to the Reserve will be ongoing.

We are posting updates on our progress with our Flowers in the Vale blog posts.