The Friends of Brierdene
Friends of Brierdene started their conservation work in October 2006, but the Friends were formed much earlier from a group of local residents who were interested in trying to improve the local area known as the Brierdene.
Our long-term aim has been to restore and improve the biodiversity in the Brierdene, with the advice and support from North Tyneside Council. To achieve this, Northumberland Wildlife Trust, Environmental Agency and Butterfly Conservation have all been consulted on the conservation work.
The Friends of Brierdene has an elected committee which meets monthly to discuss and plan the conservation work and general running of the group.
A nominal membership fee is charged for anyone who wants to support our work in the Dene. The membership fees cover insurance for the work we carry out in the Dene and our general running costs that includes tools, materials and admin expenses.
North Tyneside Council has supported us over the years by supplying some of the trees, meadow seeds, wild flower plugs and skips. More recently they have replaced all the bridges in the Dene with more robust and safe structures.
Since 2006, our major funding sources have been grants from:
BBC Breathing Places
Big Lottery Fund
Heritage Lottery Fund
North Tyneside Council
AkzoNobel
Northumbrian Water Authority
Community Foundation
Grass Roots Grants
Postcode Lottery Fund
We also work with various local schools, where we can arrange a day's conservation activities, from hands-on work in the dene to Bug Hunts.
We also provide conservation work for the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards.
Our Volunteering Opportunities
The conservation work in the Dene is carried out by a team of volunteers
If you would like to volunteer in the Dene, the Friends of Brierdene meet every Wednesday and Saturday
from 10am to 12pm. Just come along to the car park and you'll find us near the Scout Hut.
For any further details, please contact us.