Project summary:
A grant was awarded to Middlesbrough Borough Council to employ a community liaison officer (CLO) to facilitate the declaration of local nature reserves (LNRs) across Middlesbrough. There are currently no LNRs in Middlesbrough. Four sites have been identified as potential LNRs and two of these have existing links to local community groups which need support and encouragement. The project will aim to establish similar community groups for the other sites.

Sue Antrobus, the CLO, will identify other potential LNRs with the aim of bringing Middlesbrough up to English Nature’s recommended level of LNR provision. Sue, will create a network between the LNR groups so that they can share knowledge and expertise and feed in to Local Biodiversity Action Plans (LBAPs) and other strategies. The CLO will develop a working partnership with the Middlesbrough Access Project Officer who targets particular groups under-represented in their use of the countryside and greenspaces for recreation. The CLO will also lead on publicity and promotion, walks, talks, offer training opportunities and develop links with local schools, community centres and libraries.