Twizell Burn Green Infrastructure Masterplan

Green Infrastructure Action Plan

Produced by Groundwork NE & Cumbria Issue date: 01/06/2015

in partnership and on behalf of the Environment Agency, and Durham County Council

Legal Disclaimer Whilst Groundwork NE & Cumbria make every effort to ensure that materials are up to date and accurate the information imparted on behalf of Groundwork is not intended to constitute legal advice and should not be relied on as such.

Groundwork NE & Cumbria cannot take any responsibility on how the information provided is interpreted, or for any action taken regarding the information provided by the client.

Groundwork NE & Cumbria has made every effort to ensure the information provided is appropriate and accurate at the time of the publication of the report.

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Image 01: Twizell Burn at Stanley Wood

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Contents Chapter

Page

Glossary of Terms……………………………………………………………………………...8 1

Introduction……………………………………………………………………………………11 1.1 Aims and objectives……..………….…………………………………………………….11 1.2 Methodology…….…….…………….………………………...…………………………..12 1.3 Data Availability……...……………………………………………………………………13 1.4 Data Licencing………………...………………………..…………………………………13 1.5 Background and Strategic Context……….…………………………………………….. 14 1.6 Water Framework Directive………………………………………………………………16 1.7 Landscape and Land Use…………………………..…………………………………….17 1.8 Socio-Economic Factors………………………………………………………………….18 1.9 Climate Change……………... ……………………………………………………………19

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Water quality…………………………………………………………………………………. 27 2.1 The Water Framework Directive…………………………………………………….......27 2.2 Water Quality Assessment…………………………………...…………………………..27 2.3 Water Quality Monitoring………………………………………………………………….28 2.4 Characteristics and Issues………………………………………………………………..30 2.5 Pollution Pathways and Sources……………………………………………………… 30 2.6 Opportunities……………………………………………………………………………….37

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Fluvial and surface water management ……………………………………………….... 43 3.1 Hydromorphology…………………………………………………………………………. 43 3.2 Baseline ..…….…………………………………………………………………………….44 3.3 Historic Changes…………………………………………………………………………..45 3.4 Fluvial System…………………………………………...………………………………...45 3.5 Flooding…………………………………………………………………………………….46 3.6 County Durham Surface Water Management Plan...………………………………….49 3.7 Sustainable Drainage Systems…………………………………………………………..50 3.8 Opportunities……………………………………………………………………………….51

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Biodiversity and landscape………………………………………………………………... 59 4.1 Characteristics & Issues…………………………………………………………………. 59 4.2 Poor Water Quality………………………………………………………………………...61 4.3 Contaminated Land….…………………………………………………………………… 62 4.4 Urbanisation………………………………………………………………………………..62 4.5 Reach A…………………………………………………………………………………….62 4.6 Reach B…………………………………………………………………………………….65 4.7 Reach C…………………………………………………………………………………….67 4.8 Opportunities……………………………………………………………………………….68

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Chapter

Page

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Access and recreation ……………………………………………………………………… 77 5.1 Characteristics and issues………………………………………………………………. 77 5.2 Opportunities……………………………………………………………………………… 82

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History and Cultural Heritage……………………………………………………………….. 89 6.1 Characteristics……………………………………………………………………………. 89 6.2 Issues ………………...…………………………………………………………………… 92 6.3 Opportunities……………………………………………………………………………… 93

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Energy Generation …………………………………………………………………………..99 7.1 Overview…………………………………………………………….……………………. 99 7.2 Constraints…………………………………………………………………………………99 7.3 Opportunities………………………………………………………………………………101

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Cong Burn Overview……………………………………………………………………….. 109 8.1 Characteristics……………………………………………………………………………. 109 8.2 Water Quality………………………………………………………………………………109 8.3 Surface Water Management……………………………………………………………. 110 8.4 Landscape and Biodiversity……………………………………………………………...110 8.5 Access and Recreation.………………………………………………………………….111 8.6 History and Culture……………………………………………………………………….111 8.7 Historic Landfill Sites……………………………………………………………………..112 8.8 Energy Generation………………………………………………………………………..112 8.9 Opportunities………………………………………………………………………………112

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Opportunities……..…………………………………………………………………………...119 9.1 Greening Twizell Partnership…………………………………………………………….126 9.2 Chapman’s Well to Quaking Houses—Attenuation & Biodiversity Improvements…128 9.3 Memorial Park Improvements..…………………………………………………………. 130 9.4 Access Improvements…….……………………………………………………………...132 9.5 Newbridge Banks Hydro-power Feasibility & Wider Energy Generation..………….134 9.6 Chester-le-Street River Corridor Improvements……...……………………………….136 9.7 Sustainable Drainage Systems..………………………………………………………..138 9.8 Next Steps……….………………………………………………………………………..140 9.9 Planning Policy……………………………………………………………………………140

Appendices………………………………………………………………………………………….. 149 1. Bibliography…………………………………………………………………………….….. 150 2. Community Consultation Report…..………………………………………………….….. 152 3. Fairhurst Primary Area Masterplan.………………………………………………….….. 160 4. South Moor Heritage Trail Plane….………………………………………………….….. 162

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Image 02: Twizell Burn at Chester-Le-Street

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Glossary of Terms AAP – Area Action Partnership – partnership groups that cover all of County Durham. AAPs are made up of an area forum and an area board to identify and tackle issues in local communities, the AAPS have a budget for services, projects and investment. Two AAPs cover the study area, these are Stanley AAP and Chesterle-Street AAP Abstraction of water – removal of water from a water body or the ground.

BAP – Biodiversity Action Plan Biomass – organic material derived from living or recently living organisms. Referred to in this report with regard to using biomass (plant material) for combustion for the purposes of energy generation.

Cascading weir – a weir that covers a large drop in altitude by directing flow down a series of step-like structures Confluence – the point at which two rivers meet CSO – Combined sewer outfall Culvert – a structure that allows water top floe under an obstruction such as a road (often in the form of a large buried pipe or concrete structure.

Daylighting – the process of opening a culvert FAS – Flood alleviation scheme

Fluvial - Term used in geography and geology to refer to the processes associated with rivers and streams and the deposits and landforms created by them.

Green Infrastructure – Concept that highlights the importance of the natural environment in decisions about land-use planning.

Head – the difference in height of water course over a reasonably short distance.

Hydro electricity – electricity generated by flow of water (typically driving a turbine) Hydromorphological - The knowledge of the shapes in the landscape as created under the influence of water.

Infrastructure – basic physical and organizational structure needed for the operation of a society, organisation or economy.

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LNR – Local Nature Reserve Macrophytes - aquatic plant that grows in or near water and is either emergent, submergent, or floating NCA – National Character Area

Phytobenthos - Microscopic plants, including diatoms, that live on substrates such as rock/stone or large plants PV – (solar) Photovoltaic electricity generated by solar panels Riparian – area between a river and land or more simply put ‘the river bank’ can be referred to as a strip, area or zone or as a specific ecosystem e.g. riparian woodland.

SSSI – Special site of Scientific Interest SUDs – Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems SWMP – Surface Water Management Plan Trapezoidal channel – artificial channel modification to a water course in a trapezoidal shape (flat base and angled sides) typically formed from concrete.

WAP – Waterbody Action Plan Weir - barrier across a river designed to alter its flow characteristics Partner Organisations and respective abbreviations: Chester-le-Street & District Angling Club - CDAC Durham County Council – DCC Durham University – DHU Durham Wildlife Trust – DWT Environment Agency – EA Fairhurst - FH Groundwork North East and Cumbria – GWNEC Natural England – NE Northumbrian Water – NWL Wear Rivers Trust – WRT Woodland Trust – WT 9

Image 03: Twizell Burn , looking east through Grange Plantation

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1. Introduction 1.1 Aims and objectives The aim of this report is to produce a robust Green Infrastructure plan for the Twizell Burn catchment that brings together existing issues and infrastructure in a cohesive and useful plan for a variety of stakeholders.

The plan focuses on a total length of watercourse of 12.2km, from the source of the Stanley Burn to where the Cong Burn meets the River Wear at Chester-le-Street. Part of this report includes an outline chapter for the Cong Burn from its source to the confluence with Twizell Burn. The Twizell Burn is also named the Stanley Burn in its upper reaches and confluences with the Cong Burn where it becomes Chester Burn at Chester-le-Street but for simplicity throughout the report the study area will be referred to as the “Twizell Burn”.

The overall objectives of the Green infrastructure Plan are as follows: 

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To describe the characteristics of the burn corridor and the nature of the existing infrastructure and identify opportunities for promoting multifunctional green spaces.

Undertake community consultation liaise with a range of partner organisations to allow their input in terms of their key aspirations for the catchment.

To provide project and concept ideas with reference to the recommendations made by partners.

To use the report and identified projects as a planning tool to influence future infrastructure, amenity and environmental improvements.

To identify funding streams for potential projects and partners and begin initial discussions with funding bodies To utilise the strong partnership forged as part of the consultation exercise to devise and develop a wider scale programme of connected projects that deliver multiple benefits throughout the catchment To prioritise projects wherever possible in terms of their cost and benefit to the local area

This Green Infrastructure plan has been prepared with the support of a partnership group established for the purpose, to bring together required expertise from a wide range of disciplines, and has formulated the vision, aims and objectives of the plan.

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1.2 Methodology Groundwork NE & Cumbria have undertaken the following in order to bring this report to fruition:     

Organised 3 partnership workshops and consulted with all partners Obtained and analysed data (where appropriate) from all relevant partners Mapped all relevant data provided Undertaken a full walkover of the study area Undertaken 4 community consultations in Chester-LeStreet, Pelton Fell, Stanley and Quaking houses to obtain feedback by way of a survey

This report will provide an overview of the various environmental characteristics, issues, current projects and opportunities within the burn corridor using the following thematic chapters:       

Water Quality Fluvial and Surface Water Management Biodiversity & Landscape Energy Generation Access & Recreation Historical & Cultural Heritage Cong Burn Overview

A3 plans accompany each chapter which graphically depict the key characteristics and issues affecting the burn under each thematic heading.

The final Opportunities chapter describes where the opportunities for the burn exist and are depicted on a larger scale A0 map. The opportunities will suggest mitigation of existing issues and make recommendations for physical improvements to the burn under the thematic headings incorporating all existing projects and stakeholder interests/ suggestions. These opportunities will also be presented in a table format and put to the partnership meeting to be prioritised and consolidated into likely projects that can be put forward for prospective funding. The subsequent projects will then be represented in table format as well to demonstrate the journey from issue to project idea.

Map 1 depicts the study area and the four reaches which will be considered within this report, as well as Local Authority and ward boundaries. The map also contextualises Twizell Burn on a national scale as well as the wider catchment area and surrounding tributaries.

1.2.1 The Study Area The catchment of the Twizell Burn lies to the south of the conurbation of Stanley with the burn flowing east towards its confluence with the Cong Burn at Chester-le –Street. The burn and its catchment can be separated into 3 distinct ‘reaches’ 12

Image 04: A view of Chapman’s Well, looking south

which constitute the study area for the main body of this report.

A. Stanley – the source of the burn rises just south of Annfield

Image 05: Obstructions in Twizell Burn through Grange Plantation

Plain where it is known as the Stanley Burn on the outskirts of Stanley, it then flows to the south of the town, skirting or running through the urban areas in places. The burn then emerges from Stanley at Hussledown works.

B. Mid Rural – the mid-section of the burn is primarily a rural area, which is largely wooded with steep banks on one or both sides of the water course. The burn passes the small settlements of The Middles, Crag Head (wherein it becomes the Twizell Burn), Grange Villa and Pelton Fell before flowing east towards Chester-le-Street.

C. Chester-le-Street – the Twizell Burn confluences with the Cong Burn just as it meets the town of Chester-le-Street.

From here in it is referred to as the Chester Burn. There have been a number of flooding issues downstream of the confluence and the burn is culverted through much of the town centre until it’s confluence with the River Wear.

1.3 Data Availability Undertaking a Green Infrastructure (GI) action plan requires a large amount of data collection, much of which is reliant on the willingness of third parties to supply in order to allow the study to be progressed. In some cases, the availability of data with respect to relevant information is not available within the time required to undertake the assessment and various assumptions are needed to enable the study to continue. This study has collated available information within the project timeline, and produced a catalogue of the data collected.

1.4 Data Licencing All rights reserved © Crown Copyright 2007. Ordnance Survey Licence Number0100041467 All Rights Reserved © English Heritage 2014. Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right 2014 The English Heritage GIS Data contained in this material was obtained on 4th December 2014.

We would like to thank to the following organisations for attending the partnership workshops and for provision of data and images:

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The Environment Agency Chester-le-Street Angling Club Durham County Council Northumbrian Water Ltd Natural England Stanley Town Council Durham Wildlife Trust Wear Rivers Trust Durham University The Woodland Trust 13

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English Heritage

1.5 Background and Strategic Context 1.5.1 Overview The Twizell Burn is a tributary of the River Wear and runs to the south of Stanley (where it is called the Stanley Burn), through the rural north of County Durham until its confluence with the Cong Burn (from where it is then named the Chester Burn) which then runs through the urban area of Chester-le-Street before its confluence with the River Wear.

This Green Infrastructure Plan will be used to provide the basis for a co-ordinated approach to the creation and sustained management of green infrastructure across the Stanley Burn – Twizell Burn – Chester Burn corridor but where relevant will make reference to the wider catchment. A separate overview chapter has been provided within this report for the Cong Burn from source to confluence with the Twizell.

1.5.2 Green infrastructure and planning policy Improving Green Infrastructure (GI) along the Twizell Burn Corridor as well as the Cong Burn and wider catchment is an essential part of realising the long term aspirations set out in both the County Durham Green Infrastructure Strategy (2012) and subsequent Green Infrastructure Implementation Plan – West Durham Coalfield.

The GI Strategy is being fully embedded within Durham County Council’s Core Strategy and it is hoped to form part of the evidence base for the County Durham Plan which sets out where different types of development will take place in the County before 2030, and the standards to which it will be expected to adhere.

The County Durham Green Infrastructure Strategy sets out 5 specific aims, these are: 1.

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Identify which elements of green infrastructure are significant and should be protected Identify where there are shortages in particular types of green infrastructure – for example, which settlements have insufficient parks and play areas Identify the best opportunities for green infrastructure and creation – where investment could have the greatest beneficial effect or where resources should be focused Act as a basis for planning policy on green infrastructure in the context of new development – showing how new development can include sufficient good-quality green spaces and other GI features Provide a framework to access funding

Within these aims a series of policy recommendations are 14

Image 05: View over playing fields at a culverted stretch of Twizell Burn, east of Memorial Park

outlined within the GI Strategy:  Access and recreation – existing public open spaces and rights of way should be protected; new development should contain sufficient open space for new and existing residents’ needs; open spaces and rights of way should be good-quality, attractive and functional  Agriculture – the productive potential of agricultural land should be protected; agricultural diversification will be encouraged and supported  Biodiversity and geodiversity – designated sites and other ecologically valuable assets will be protected from the direct or indirect impacts of development; new green spaces will retain, reinforce or create links to the existing GI network; green spaces, roofs and walls will be encouraged  Economic development – inequalities in the quality of living environments will be addressed; industries which depend upon green infrastructure will be supported; GI will be used as an asset – to improve the image of areas and attract inward investment, and to provide ecosystem services  Energy – the development of new wind turbines, biomass facilities and small-scale hydro-electricity facilities will be permitted where they are feasible and the environmental impacts are acceptable  Health and wellbeing – healthy lifestyles will be supported by the protection and enhancement of open spaces and the public rights of way network  Landscape – designated landscapes and landscape conservation areas will be protected and managed; proposals to improve the countryside around towns and villages will be supported  Townscape – sites of historic interest, and their settings, will be protected and enhanced; the use of green infrastructure as a design feature will be required where appropriate; green infrastructure features which contribute to townscape will be protected  Trees, woodland and forestry – the creation of new woodlands will be supported; forestry and other woodland industries will be permitted where appropriate; urban trees will be protected.  Water supply, drainage and flood control – the quality of water resources in rivers, streams and other water bodies will be protected and enhanced;  Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems, which use green infrastructure to manage flooding, will be required in new development where appropriate, particularly in flood risk areas.

Image 07: Flooding of footpaths adjacent to Chapman’s Well

The Green Infrastructure Implementation plan for the West Durham Coalfield aims to ensure the recommendations from the Green Infrastructure Strategy are transformed into actions by: 

Detailed analysis of environmental qualities and issues, taking into consideration studies carried out by the Council and its partners, such as the Environment Agency, Natural England and neighbouring authorities 15

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Identification of priorities and mitigation/ amelioration measures, either as general objectives or, where appropriate, as specific projects Discussion of planned development in the County in the period covered by the proposed County Durham Plan (until 2030); suggesting, for each allocated development site, how green infrastructure might be incorporated within the site, and what improvements should be made to the quantity, quality and management of green infrastructure in the area.

Application of Green Infrastructure will assist in achieving many of Durham's Sustainable Community Strategy (SCS) priorities, including:  

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'altogether wealthier' - creating more vibrant and successful towns and sustainable communities; 'altogether better for children and young people' improving access and protecting the environment for future generations; 'altogether healthier' - contributing an environment to improve mental health, encourage active lifestyles and support well-being; 'altogether safer' - influencing a reduction in anti-social behaviour; and 'altogether greener' - improving the natural and built environment.

1.6 Water Framework Directive The Water Framework Directive (WFD) is the most substantial piece of EU water legislation to date, requiring all inland and coastal waters to reach “good status” by 2015. Using a structure of river basin districts, the WFD will set a number of demanding objectives, including ecological targets. Important differences to current legislation include:  

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All water bodies, including rivers, coasts, estuaries, lakes, man-made structures and groundwater are included; New objectives will be set to promote the sustainable use of water, which will be defined and assessed using chemical, biological and physical measures; Negative human impacts on the water environment from specific places must be identified and a ‘Programme of Measures’ established to address all types of impacts; River Basin Management Plans bring all the above together so that ‘good status’ can be achieved in the UK’s river basins by 2015; Public participation is a core requirement of the Directive and is fundamental to the River Basin Management Plans process.

Implementation will take place though a series of planning cycles, with the first to be completed by 2015. These will take 16

Image 08: Wetland adjacent to Langleymoor Plantation

into account long-term environmental trends, such as climate change, and improved understanding of basin characteristics.

Reviews of the River Basin Management Plans will then take place every six years. A Water Body Action Plan has been prepared for the River Wear and its tributaries.

From the source of the Twizell Burn to the confluence of the Cong Burn with the River Wear there are a variety of clean water and pollution inputs to the river system. Monitoring data reveals that pollutants contributing to the moderate ecological potential of these waterbodies include nutrients from sewage and agricultural sources, specific pollutants including metals from trade effluents, historical mine water drainage and spoil heaps. Sediment inputs from urban and rural runoff also impact upon water quality (and ecology) throughout the catchment; particles in suspension can be detrimental to fish gills, whilst deposition of sediments covers potential fish spawning sites and invertebrate habitats which support the food chain. As the catchment is prone to flashflooding, sediments are frequently mobilised giving rise to turbid water following heavy rain and also act as a path for the release of pollutants from sediments in to the water environment. To improve water quality to achieve Good Ecological Potential the catchment dynamics must be understood, including the hydrological regime, geomorphology and land-use, sources of pollutants and constraints to addressing them. A detailed review of catchment characteristics and opportunities to improve water quality is provided in Chapter 2.

1.7 Landscape and Land use

Image 09: Access restrictions to Stanley Wood

The catchment is primarily rural (66.5%) and the rest urban (33.5%), much of the Burn corridor falls under the ownership of Durham County Council. The catchment falls into 2 National Character Areas; NCA16 Durham Coalfield Pennine Fringe and NCA14 Tyne and Wear Lowlands. The landscape is that of broad ridges separated by river valleys with a strong east-west grain and land use varies from upland grazing in the west to mixed arable farming in the east. As NCA 16’s name suggests, there is a strong legacy of industry in the area, primarily coal mining and associated steel works. Much of this industry closed by the 1980s leaving its legacy on both the landscape and its inhabitants. As the catchment is predominantly rural there are small pockets of industry, and only 2 industrial areas within the study area.

Although not extensively culverted, the burn is crossed by a significant number of bridges and roads that form pinch points along the length of the burn for both water flow and barriers to wildlife and the channel is heavily modified and engineered in places. Although map 1 shows a large proportion of open space within the burn corridor, the burn often flows through a heavily modified and engineered channel from its natural state and 17

course. Landscape and land use will be discussed in more detail in Chapter 4.

1.8 Socio-economic factors The Indices of Deprivation 2010 provide a relative measure of deprivation in small areas across England. The Indices of Deprivation 2010 is the collective name for a group of indices which all measure different aspects of deprivation. The most widely used of these is the Index of Multiple Deprivation which is a combination of a number of the other indices to give an overall score for the relative level of multiple deprivation experienced in every neighbourhood in England. County Durham is ranked the 50th most deprived County in England out of 149. This measurement takes into account indicators such as health, educational achievement and income to assess deprivation overall.

More specifically, the areas which the Twizell flows vary in terms of their levels of deprivation; this varies by Area Action Partnership (AAP). Stanley is the 3rd most deprived AAP in County Durham however a number of areas even within less deprived AAPs are defined as amongst the most deprived wards in England, this includes areas of central Chester-le-Street and South Stanley, both of which are in the 10% most deprived wards nationally. Many of the other surrounding areas, especially in Stanley and rural mid section are within the 20% most deprived areas nationally1. These areas are South Moor, Quaking Houses and Langley Moor area, the Middles, Kate’s Rigg and Low Stanley all of which are within a kilometre of the

Image 10: Poorly maintained interpretation in Stanley Wood

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water course.

Green Infrastructure can have multiple benefits in areas of high deprivation as it can be a valuable contributor to improving wellbeing. Good green infrastructure is of considerable economic value too. The County Durham Green Infrastructure Strategy sets out a number of ways in which GI can balance the inequalities in more deprived areas of the County: 

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By fostering "environmental equity" - ensuring that all people have good-quality living environments and have access to sufficient open space, irrespective of income.

By fostering pride in local areas and their green spaces.

By improving access to affordable fresh fruit and vegetables.

By improving the perception of areas as places to live and work, thus attracting inward investment.

By supporting sectors of the economy which depend upon green infrastructure - agriculture, horticulture and, in particular, tourism.

A recent CABE report ‘The Value of Public Space’2 cites many examples from around the world where improvements in green infrastructure have helped attract inward investment, increase local house prices and drive up local economies.

Green Infrastructure is a core outcome of any regeneration programme involving land or water. As a planning tool, it is highly flexible and therefore can apply to all of the areas adjacent to the Burn.

1.9 Climate change Climate Change is one of the biggest threats to our future, and there is increasing evidence that climate change has already begun. Climate Change brings the threat of increasing temperature variations, intense air and water pollution, increased episodes of droughts and floods, changes to woodland and loss of wildlife. It may also result in poorer quality of life, particularly for people living in deprived urban areas. Weather-related incidents such as flood events, severe winters and hot summers can limit capacity of poor households in deprived wards to manage climate risks. Issues such as fuel poverty may become exacerbated whilst the ability to react to, or avoid, incidents such as flood events may be intensified.

Predicted scenarios of wetter winters, drier summers and increased temperatures will have a profound impact on water courses and the surrounding areas of land, with potentially significant impacts on woodland in terms of the species that may flourish. Excessive fluctuations in flow, water temperature and chemistry will have a significant impact on the management of 19

flooding, the timing of natural events such as fish spawning periods and the opportunity to enjoy and access walkways and green spaces. The Stanley Burn at South Stanley, the Middles and the Cong Burn in Chester-le-Street has a history of flooding. Flooding and surface water management is discussed further in Chapter 3.

Building climate change adaption into the restoration of The Twizell Burn will produce multiple benefits including better flood management, improving habitats and corridors for wildlife and ensuring that urban development recognises that the burn corridor is an important part of urban regeneration and sustainability (see later chapters for further details).

Changes in climate will lead to changes in agricultural practice, as will future developments of the EU Common Agricultural Policy.

Integrating these with other measures, such as biodiversity, access and surface water management, will also need to take into account sustaining a viable agricultural economy and its links to local communities.

Woodland creation should take into account species that can withstand ground that is subject to seasonal water logging followed by periods of drought, together with consideration for planting renewable energy crops. New renewable energy developments should respect the character of the landscape, and biomass crops may be an appropriate tool in enhancing more degraded landscapes. Climate change is affecting habitats and as a result species composition may change. Any future developments should be dynamic in order to allow for climate change adaption to happen.

The impact of climate change on vulnerable species, habitats, landscape features and agricultural systems will need to be monitored. Restoration of habitats will need to include management measures to make them more robust and allow for adaptation and dynamism, and should be at a landscape scale to improve ecosystems and restore connectivity.

Opportunities identified in this report include integrated approaches for action on climate change and include wider environmental, economic and social goals. The opportunities should support and encourage integrated approaches to water management and flood protection, including river and floodplain restoration in order to move the Twizell Burn towards good ecological potential (as per WFD aims).

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INTRODUCTION SUMMARY 

The Twizell Burn is a main tributary of the River Wear

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The Twizell burn is 9.4km from source to confluence with the Cong and the Chester Burn is 2.8 km from its source to the confluence with the Wear.

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Enhancements to Twizell Burn are to be multi-functional across a range of objectives from water quality and habitat to public amenity and economic regeneration.

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The Twizell Burn from source to its confluence with the Cong is classified as Poor Ecological Quality for the Water Framework Directive (WFD) and the aim is for the Twizell Burn to achieve Good Ecological Potential status.

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Twizell Burn changes its name twice before its confluence with the Cong; it is named the Stanley Burn until it flows east of the town where it becomes the Twizell until the confluence with the Cong, where it becomes the Chester Burn. The Chester Burn after its confluence with the Twizell is included as part of the detailed study area.

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The Cong Burn from source to the Twizell confluence is addressed as an overview study in Chapter 8.

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Twizell Burn is a heavily modified water course and the biggest barriers to fisheries improvement are the large obstruction, step weir at Newbridge Banks just south of Grange Villa, where the channel has been straightened (various sections) and the large culvert at Chester-le-Street town centre. The intermittent sewage discharges has the biggest impact on the level of invertebrates in the river and overall water quality.

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Contaminated land/run off from mine workings is an un-quantified constraint throughout the study area.

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A large proportion of the study area, through which the burn flows, is green space owned by the local authority.

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The burn flows through 6 of the most deprived wards in the UK.

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Climate change predicts an increase in future flood events and will require a range of resilient solutions.

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The planning process must enforce the adoption of policies and strategies which recognise the multiple benefits of Green Infrastructure.

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VISION STATEMENT The greening of the Twizell Burn - a well-used and valued natural environment offering a wealth of benefits to those who live near to, or visit, the area. Its network of green spaces, recreational facilities, biodiversity and water quality will be of higher value, more accessible and resilient to the impacts of climate change and flooding events.

Connecting communities A high quality network of multifunctional green spaces along the burn corridor will provide attractive formal and informal spaces for local communities and visitors to enjoy and opportunities to connect new communities with existing neighbourhoods.

The Burn The Burn, a recognised and valued important asset supporting the wildlife and fauna in the area; will become even better by achieving good ecological potential.

Climate change solutions Green infrastructure plays an important role in making the area resilient to climate change, this will be achieved through awareness raising for the local communities and improvements to the Burn and the wider environment to alleviate the impacts of flooding events.

Healthy communities Through a joined up green network, increased opportunities for physical activity, sport and active recreation will positively contribute to health and wellbeing of communities.

Biodiversity Wildlife habitats will be maintained and enhanced (and new habitats created) and links between sites will be improved to help reverse habitat fragmentation.

Landscape and built heritage The quality and integrity of the local landscape and the area’s rich industrial heritage will be valued, respected and enhanced.

Sustainable development Well-designed new developments respect and contribute positively to the natural environment with an increased number incorporating SUDS complemented by the exploration of the potential of renewable energy sources.

Active outdoor access A well connected, signed and promoted network of green routes, well used by the community and visitors, to travel throughout the Twizell Burn and into neighbouring areas.

People and nature People are volunteering to improve their local environment and in the monitoring of wildlife, to create a place with opportunities for everyone to get involved.

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± Scale: 1:26,000

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Image 11: Twizell Burn flowing through Stanley Burn Woods

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2. Water quality 2.1 The Water Framework Directive As defined by the WFD (Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council): “Good surface water status" means the status achieved by a surface water body when both its ecological status and its chemical status are at least "good".

Good chemical status is critically linked with good ecological status; both are needed to achieve “overall good status” within a water body.

Ecological characteristics of the study area are considered in more detail in Chapter 4. Water quality and ecological conditions are interdependent, therefore the ecological assessment looks at the water quality (chemical) but also uses other measures such as wildlife living in the ‘riparian’ zone, the physical properties of the channel and materials that make up the river bed and embankments. Both for water quality and ecological monitoring and assessment purposes, aquatic invertebrates are used as indicator species.

Physical characteristics of rivers that influence ecological condition are described as hydro-morphological characteristics.

Hydromorphology is defined and explored in more detail in Chapter 3.

2.2 Water Quality Assessment Across England and Wales, the condition of rivers and groundwater is evaluated by the Environment Agency (EA) according to environmental assessment criteria stipulated by the Water Framework Directive (WFD). The following categories of assessment (referred to as “classification level sub elements”), and their associated individual “classification items”, given in brackets, are used by the EA to determine the overall status of the Twizell Burn and Chester Burn:  

 

Overall water body: (Ammonia phys-chem, dissolved oxygen, pH, phosphate, temperature); Ecological: (biological quality elements, hydromorphological supporting elements, physico chemical quality elements, specific pollutants and supporting elements (surface water); Biological quality elements: (fish, invertebrates, macrophytes, macrophytes and phytobenthos combined); Hydro-morphological supporting elements: (hydro27

  

morphological regime; mitigation measures assessment, morphology); Specific pollutants: (Ammonia Annex 8, Copper, Triclosan, Zinc).

Chemical groundwater (GW): chemical status element; Priority hazardous substances: (Cadmium and its compounds, Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, Lead and its compounds, Nickel and its compounds, Nonylphenol and Tributyltin compounds);

Understanding WFD assessment criteria and standards, and how they may be subject to change is essential; as they are central to determining appropriate actions needed to achieve good status.

As the European Commission (EC 2014) outlines, via WFD mechanisms, standards can be renewed and new standards can be applied to address priority hazardous substances. For example, the priority hazardous substances (classification item) listed in section 2.2 have only required assessment in the study area since 2013 (year 4 of the first river basin cycle, (2009 to 2015)), whilst Ammonia (Annex VIII) no longer requires assessment as a specific pollutant. As a result it is appreciated that whilst addressing issues presented within this masterplan can improve water quality towards the current minimum levels, future drivers may bring in priority substances that will need to be addressed to achieve Good Ecological Status in the Twizell Burn catchment

2.3 Water Quality Monitoring As part of an annual monitoring programme, the EA undertake inspection and sampling activities on the Twizell Burn, Chester Burn (Reaches A to C) and Cong Burn to determine their visual, chemical and ecological condition under WFD. Monitoring is carried out at a number of locations across Twizell Burn and involves one or more of the following activities: 



 28

Inspections: the Environment Agency routinely check rivers for evidence of pollution, e.g. oil contamination, discoloration of water or perhaps littering of the channel with sewage downstream of Combined Sewer Outfalls (CSOs).

Sampling: as part of the annual monitoring programme or for investigative purposes (e.g. following a pollution incident or suspected inputs from an unknown source) samples of water are collected at river monitoring locations and are analysed to determine the levels of a variety of chemicals (and potentially particles in the water (“suspended solids”) that affect clarity and prevent light penetrating through water. The clarity of water is often expressed as a measure of turbidity.

Groundwater quality is/can also be assessed by taking samples of water from underground boreholes and

Image 12: Partially blocked culvert and poor water quality at the eastern edge of Stanley Burn Wood

analysing the water for chemical constituents.

Under WFD the following chemical tests are carried out on water samples taken from rivers to help assess water quality:  

  

Dissolved Oxygen: the higher the level of oxygen dissolved in the water the better Phosphates: the level of phosphates in the water, commonly derived from sewage related discharges containing detergents; Ammonia - a nitrogen based compound, naturally derived from urine and a component of agricultural fertilisers; Heavy metals: metals such as mercury and lead which are prone to persist in the environment; Hydrocarbons: derived from crude oil (e.g. diesel, petrol, engine oil and lubricants) hydrocarbons are toxic to aquatic life, deoxygenate water and blanket surfaces.

Kick sampling is used to assess the ecological quality of a waterbody and involves a survey of invertebrates living on and under the rocks and stones of the river bed. Surveys can be undertaken on the bankside as live sorting or samples may be preserved and analysed in a laboratory. The Biological Monitoring Working Party (BMWP) method is used to quantify the number of indicator species present in the river and scores tallied from the number of each species present are used to assess ecological condition. The following may be used to indicate how good or poor water quality may be: 



High numbers and diversity of some invertebrates, particularly certain types and abundances of Mayfly, Stonefly and Caddis Fly larvae which are found in well oxygenated water, and where the deposits of sediment are relatively undisturbed and clean, as required to support their lifecycles; Low numbers of non biting midge larvae – chironomids which are more tolerant to lower dissolved oxygen levels, and polluted conditions as would be associated for example with contamination by sewage.

(A pollutant is defined as a substance liable to cause pollution, in particular those listed in Annex VIII” of the WFD. (European Commission, 2014) (Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council)).

Image 13: Iron ochre discoloration in Stanley Wood

Based upon a compilation of monitoring data, the EA classify water bodies, resulting in either fail, poor, moderate, good, or high status, for classification sub elements and for overall water body status.

Chemical status of the study area, factors that attribute to the current status and opportunities to improve it are outlined in the following sections.

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2.4 Characteristics and Issues 2.4.1 Overview The main study area comprises the following water bodies and their associated catchment areas, as illustrated on map 1:  

The Twizell Burn (from Source to Cong Burn) (Reach A and B) The Cong Burn (from Twizell Burn to River Wear), referred to as the Chester Burn (Reach C).

Characterisation carried out by the Environment Agency (EA) in 2013 designated these waterbodies as heavily modified in terms of their hydromorphology (see Chapter 3, Surface Water Management) and as a result, classified their ecological status as being of moderate potential (rather than status) under the Water Framework Directive (WFD).

To meet current objectives to attain ‘Good Ecological Potential’ (GEP) in waterbodies within the catchment, the following key elements require to be addressed and improved to ‘good’. (The status of these key elements as reported by the EA in 2013 is noted in brackets):

2.4.2 Twizell Burn - Reach A (Stanley) to Reach B (Rural Mid Section):  

Specific pollutants: zinc - (fail); Physico-chemical quality elements: phosphate - (poor); and ammonia - (moderate);

2.4.3 Chester Burn - Reach C (Chester-le-Street):   

Physico-chemical quality: phosphate - (moderate); Biological quality: fish (poor); Macropytes & Phytobenthos: sub-element phytobenthos (moderate).

These waterbodies fall within the Northumbria River Basin District; actions arising from opportunities identified within this GI masterplan will be incorporated in the Northumbria River Basin Management Plan, (2015 to 2021).

2.5 Pollution sources and pathways 2.5.1 Urbanisation The growth and development of urban areas can significantly affect the quality (and quantity) of water in the natural environment. Building upon previously undeveloped land can dramatically change the natural processes involved in the transportation and storage of water and sediments, and create new sources and pathways for pollutants to enter rivers and groundwater. There is also extensive littering throughout the catchment and issues attached with management of allotment 30

Image 14: Pollution ad fly tipping west of Newbridge Banks

sites.

In 2013 Groundwork NE & Cumbria worked along with Esh Housing on the delivery of a ÂŁ50,000 contract, in order to remove considerable amounts of silt and rubbish from the Kate's Gill area in Craghead and regenerate the woodland, much of which had been flooded for many years due to the blocked culvert on site. The work also included boundary fencing and hedge planting, 2500 square metres of native woodland planting, removal of Himalayan Balsam, wildflower plug planting, meadow seeding and tree works required to existing established trees which were damaged throughout the flooding of the site. A series of ponds were also created along the length of the burn within the woodland area.

Image 15: Light industry at Morrison Busty

Fly-tipping in Kate's Gill was a key concern due to the fact that this was a historic problem within the area. The accumulation of rubbish within the slopes surrounding the gill is a major issue, and due to limitations with access by machines and budgets throughout the project not all rubbish was removed at the time.

Further work was identified as being required with the allotment site to restrict access to the site boundary adjacent to Kate's Gill to prevent the opportunity for tipping in the future. Work was also identified as being required with the allotment holders in order to ensure that they are not contributing towards the issues on the site.

Within the rural setting, farm buildings (and associated infrastructure such working yards, slurry tanks, silos and fuel tanks) are also considered to be part of the built environment.

Farm steadings are traditionally used to store a variety of chemicals including organic and inorganic fertilisers and pesticides.

Pollutants can reach the river system either directly, for example via point source discharges or indirectly via diffuse runoff.

2.5.2 Surface water drainage A number of natural and man-made conduits can convey pollutants (and clean water) from the built environment to the Twizell Burn / Cong Burn; these conduits include surface water drains and ditches; overland-flow, infiltration and through-flow (e.g. through soil), and significantly, discharges from the combined foul and surface water drainage system.

The purpose of a Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) is to allow dilute, yet untreated, waste water from the sewer network when flow capacity is exceeded e.g. during storm events. Discharges should only occur under specified flow (or emergency) conditions authorised by the Environment Agency; sewage plastics and debris over 6mm should be screened from the discharge to abate littering of the receiving environment.

In total there are an estimated 30 CSOs that discharge directly in to rivers within the study area. CSO’s are necessary on 31

combined sewers (that take both surface and foul water types) to prevent sewer flooding both internally and externally. These systems are typically found in developments before 1960. The release of untreated waste water (which includes surface water runoff, domestic grey water and trade effluent discharges) can contaminate water resources to the detriment of human health, wildlife, agriculture and the local economy.

By law, the UK has a duty to limit pollution from storm water overflows, including CSOs. In England and Wales CSO’s are assessed under the terms of the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (UWWT), in accordance with Guidance issued by the Department for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1997). Many older CSOs were designed and constructed to a much lower standard than is now considered acceptable.

Common faults of combined sewer systems are:  

The downstream sewer pipe diameter is too small, causing the CSO to spill frequently; The discharge is unscreened.

CSO discharges may contain significant loads of a wide variety of pollutants (despite dilution), including bacteria and viruses, oxygen demanding and toxic chemicals and sediments, as well as persistent materials such as heavy metals and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs). As observed across the catchment sewage litter also persists in the river habitat, including baby wipes, cotton buds, sanitary products, toilet block holders and detergent containers. The water service provider Northumbrian Water Limited are active in monitoring CSO discharges and educating communities such as the Love Your Drain campaign. The Environment Agency and Wildlife Trust’s Yellow Fish campaign seeks to tackle the sewage littering by preventing entry of these items at source including domestic and commercial / social premises.

2.5.3 Domestic wrong-connections Domestic wrong-connections of foul water to surface water systems can result in the discharge of untreated sewage and waste water effluent from kitchens and bathrooms direct to rivers. Detergents can have a toxic effect on all types of aquatic life; they destroy the mucous layers that protect fish from bacteria and parasites which damage fish gills. Phosphates in detergents can also lead to algal blooms that release toxins and deplete levels of oxygen in water. Wrong-connections are suspected at locations such as Pelton Fell Banks where sewage odour has been identified. Polluting inputs could be prevented and corrected by: 

32

Catchment wide education as to the cause of wrongconnections and correct drainage requirements.

Image 16: Monitoring stations in Chapmen’s Well, evidence of past mining and landfill activities

2.5.4 Former mine workings In terms of bedrock geology, the study area is underlain by Coal Measure rocks of Carboniferous age; owing to widespread coal seams, and the presence of iron and sandstone within the bedrock 4,5. mineral extraction flourished in the region from the 1800s to the late 1900s. Mining activities were central to the local economy, the origins of transport links and infrastructure, and gave rise to early modifications to the water environment.

Evidence of deep and opencast coal mines and quarrying is prolific throughout the study area; sites of former mine workings are now part of cultural and industrial heritage, and where suitable, former quarries have been used for waste disposal sites / landfill. The locations of former mines and historic landfills are illustrated by map 6.

Among the legacies of mineral extraction, spoil heaps are a common feature in the landscape, and are found in close proximity to the river corridor路 Major sources of zinc and nickel in the study area are likely to be runoff and seepage from colliery spoil and mine-water; these elements are released from iron ores and sulphide minerals found in spoil heaps through oxidative weathering and dissolution. Through infiltration and surface water runoff these metals can reach groundwater and surface waters. Whilst naturally occurring, and performing crucial biological functions (as micro nutrients), elevated levels of metals in the water environment can increase chemical oxygen demand (COD) and can have directly toxic effects on wildlife; concentrations of zinc as low as 2 ppm is reported to have adverse effects on the amount of oxygen that fish can carry in their blood.

2.5.5 Rural diffuse pollution

Image 17: Frothing water in Twizell Wood

Agriculture within the study area is predominantly arable, with considerable equestrian activity, with livery yards, stables and horses grazing. Where livestock (and horses) have unrestricted access to river embankments, poaching can result in the degradation of soil structure, exposing sediments to rainfall and subsequent runoff to the river system.

Residues from pesticides, herbicides and fertilisers can adhere to soil particles and drain to watercourses via spray drift, leaching and run-off. Constituents of these substances such as nitrates (and faecal coliforms in organic manures) can have deleterious effects on the ecosystem, reducing oxygen available to aquatic life, affecting hedgerows and riparian habitats.

Contaminants can percolate to groundwater affecting drinking water supplies and accumulate in the food chain.

Mechanical cultivation of farm land, and forestry operations, can leave land susceptible to soil erosion and sediment runoff to rivers. The effects upon water quality are notably increased on 33

steep land with linear conduits to feeder streams, with few filter strips and natural buffers such as hedgerows.

2.5.6 Reach A - Stanley The most significant potential sources of pollution in Reach A are point source discharges direct to the river system: 



Final effluent (and any emergency discharges) from Hustledown Sewage Treatment works (STW) located on the north bank of the Twizell Burn east of South Stanley Nature Reserve There are 18 CSOs in this reach

Investments at Hustledown Sewage Treatment Works (STW) has lead to reductions in the amounts of Ammonia and Phosphate discharged thus improving the quality of Twizell Burn.

Drainage from the conduits mentioned in Reach A combine to form the headwaters of the Twizell Burn; the quality and quantity of water in these minor channels can have a direct effect on the quality and flow of water downstream.

Pollution inputs from the upper reaches of the Twizell Burn catchment affect water quality downstream.

Owing to prior evidence of diffuse pollution from estates within the study area, in partnership Environment Agency, Groundwork NE & Cumbria businesses at the following industrial estates in prevention awareness activities in 2013/14:   

industrial with the engaged pollution

Morrison North Industrial Estate, Annfield Plain Morrison Busty Industrial Estate, Annfield Plain Stella Gill industrial Estates, Pelton Fell (Reach B)

The project aimed to help improve water quality in the Twizell Burn by identifying and addressing sources of diffuse pollution from industrial land-use. A review of activities at the industrial estates identified potential sources of diffuse pollutants/ contaminated land including gas oil, engine oil, petrol, bitumen, antifreeze, paints, inks, cement/aggregates, rock salt, exposed wastes/ soils, detergents and water from vehicle washing.

Operators engaged in the project received best practice guidance for the storage and handling of chemicals, and the disposal of trade effluent in order to help prevent and mitigate the risk of pollution to groundwater and the Twizell Burn.

Recommendations were implemented at key sites, addressing for example the risk of salt runoff to the surface water system.

Spill response demos and free spill kit materials were also provided to businesses at workshops, supported by Business Durham.

During the Twizell Burn Week of Action (led by the Environment 34

Image 18: Litter and fly-tipping in Alma Woof

Agency in November 2013) communities in the vicinity of Stanley engaged in educational activities to help improve water quality.

Participants were involved in activities such as litter picking to improve aesthetics of the Twizell Burn; discovery activities exploring river invertebrates; and the Love Your Drain campaign led by Northumbrian Water Group, to help address the causes of sewer blockages and sewage spills from CSOs. There is approximately 35 ha surface area of restored spoil (and constructed wetland) at the Morrison Busty Coalfield, adjacent to the Stanley Burn.

Research conducted on mine water hydrogeology and geochemistry suggests that restoration of the Morrison Busty coalfield by the application of compost top soils has had some success in controlling the leaching of contaminants to the Stanley Burn. Effectively identifying and addressing sources of contamination from disused mines across the catchment could significantly improve water quality longer term, addressing two of the key elements to achieve good ecological potential.

Farm Steads in the area include:    Image 19: Discoloured water running in Twizell Burn

Twizell Hall Farm Eden Hill Farm Twizell Dykes Farm

There are no known sources of pollution occurring at the above farms; these are listed for identification purposes only and for reference for future opportunities

2.5.7 Reach B The most significant potential sources of pollution in Reach B are likely to be diffuse sources, with some point source discharges: 



There are no major sewage treatment works discharges in Reach B. According to Northumbrian Water Ltd.’s drainage data (2014) there are 4 CSO’s draining within Reach B Spoil heaps at the river embankments at Alma Woods and at Newbridge Banks near Pelton Fell

Diffuse runoff from yards and roads in this area is likely to be the main source of pollution. Rainwater flushed over these surfaces can pick up contaminants such as road dust, sediments from building sites and chemical residues including for example oil and chemicals from vehicle leaks and spillages and leachate from waste bins. This can runoff to streams and ditches leading the main river, or enter the river system via road drains which are connected to the surface water drainage system.

Another source of pollutants entering the Twizell river system is from an un-named tributary at Craghead which is in turn fed by minor springs leading to a field drainage ditch rear of terraced cottages on the north side of the B6313 road, Craghead Lane.

The upstream section of the said field drainage ditch (partially

35

visible behind an informal hedgerow) had been deepened/ widened. At the time of walkover the embankments were unconsolidated / un-vegetated leaving exposed top soil at risk of being mobilised during heavy rain, potentially adding sediment load to the channel.

There is also an un-named tributary of the Twizell Burn south east of Shafto House, culverted under the B6313 road at Craghead that brings in surface water runoff from adjacent land both the north (upstream) and south (downstream) sides of the culvert. This is likely to contain diffuse pollutants from soil stripping in the vicinity of the stream and deposits of cut vegetation on the embankments The flow in the study area (observed during catchment walkover visits in 2014) visibly changes from dark grey at the Stanley Burn from the Langley Moor Plantation, to light grey and cloudy at Twizell Wood (Reach A to B) with evidence of soap suds, sewage plastics and odour identified particularly downstream of Hustledown Sewage Treatment Works (STW) to Pelton Fell banks. The absence of sewage fungus growth on the bed or embankments of the channel indicates that the discharges of sewage are intermittent and well diluted.

Farm steadings in the area include: 

Twizell Hall Farm



Eden Hill Farm



Twizell Dykes Farm

There are no known sources of pollution occurring at the above farms; these are listed for identification purposes only and for reference for future opportunities.

2.5.8 Reach C—Chester-le-Street The most significant potential sources of pollution in Reach C are likely to be point source discharges direct to the river system, and diffuse runoff from urban areas: 

Chester-le-Street STW discharges direct to the River Wear however back up of flow to the sewage treatment works and overflow of sewage to the Chester Burn. According to Northumbrian Water Ltd.’s drainage data (2014) there are 8 CSO’s draining within Reach B.

Although the flow remained turbid in the lower areas of Reach B and Reach C, the Cong Burn (upper) provides a diluting effect on sewage inputs from the confluence at Pelton Fell bridge. The discoloration in the Cong Burn waterbody observed downstream to Chester-le-Street riverside was characteristic of runoff from un -vegetated areas such as eroded embankments (e.g. at Newbridge Banks cascading weir) and recently dredged ditches (e.g. fields to the rear of terraced housing, at the north site of Craghead Lane). Sediment inputs can however mask otherwise 36

Image 20: Twizell Burn in Reach A showing signs of discoloration

visible evidence of CSO inputs, and leave plumes from other point source outfalls and diffuse sources un-detected The installation of a new CSO at Chester-le-Street (at the confluence of the Cong Burn with the River Wear) is reported to have reduced sewage spills, helping address aesthetics and levels of sewage derived ammonia, improving overall water quality.

Farm steads in the area include: 

High Flatts Farm

There are no known sources of pollution occurring at the above farms; these are listed for identification purposes only and for reference for future opportunities

2.6 Opportunities There are a number of opportunities to improve the water quality across the study area. There is huge potential to develop a large scale partnership programme (the Greening Twizell Partnership) of projects using the varying range of expertise of the partnership group to bring together and deliver on a wide range of GI projects, including water quality improvements. Water quality underpins and ties in closely with land use, biodiversity and surface water management and any improvements that address water quality will have a positive effect on these areas.

Water quality opportunities could be completed as individual projects or as part of the Greening Twizell Partnership All opportunities are discussed further in Chapter 9.

To further address polluting inputs and prevent deterioration in water quality, task groups could deliver further outreach events and workshops, tailored to engage businesses and communities that influence water quality in the catchment.

Events could coincide with regional/national awareness campaigns e.g. resilience to flooding and climate change. These events could be used to raise awareness of the benefits of a good river system and ecosystem both for the quality of life of residents and the local economy via Green Tourism. Trends and progress made in water quality should be communicated back to the community groups and businesses, recognising any achievements afforded by their participation and role in safeguarding the environment.

The following engagement by task groups could significantly improve water quality, working with: 

Image 21: Modified watercourse in Reach C

Scrap-yards and SME’s located off-industrial estates, to address potential pollution sources from wastes (e.g. oils and heavy metals), and to link in with anti-fly-tipping campaign campaigns in County Durham more specifically around Stanley.

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



Drainage maintenance operatives; to raise awareness of best practice for the collection and disposal of material from culverts, drains and dredging; Construction and demolition companies, to better prepare for works in the vicinity of the water environment following pollution prevention methodology and appropriate aftercare.

Water quality in the whole study area could be improved by reducing the discharge of phosphates (from household and industrial detergents) and ammonia and specific pollutants from CSO discharges. Northumbrian water is an engaged partner and have been undertaking extensive work around wrong connections in collaboration with the EA. The following opportunities have been identified: 

















Educate communities and catering providers within the catchment to prevent the disposal of sewage plastics and waste Fats Oils and Greases (FOGs) to the sewer network to reduce obstruction to flow and consequential CSO spills; In relation to the above, work closely with communities at Hustledown Road/South Moor (Reach A) to tackle littering and fly-tipping in the vicinity of culverts; Work with local suppliers of detergents and washing appliances to promote the sale of phosphate free/low phosphate products in shopping centres; Ensure trade effluent discharges to sewers comply with consents and share best available techniques to potentially eliminate specific pollutants at source; Apply development constraints to ensure sewer capacity is not exceeded by the additional flow, and ensure that surface water is drained separately from sewage, via SUDs; Maintain CSO screens and pumps, particularly before and after heavy rainfall and respond promptly to indicators of sewage blockages e.g. odour complaints; Separate foul and surface water drains (de-dualling) where feasible. This will then convey clean water direct to rivers and waste water direct to Waste Water Treatment works. The problematic CSOs at Hollyhill Gardens and Memorial Park could benefit from this approach; Northumbrian Water are engaged as a partner and already looking at this.

Academic research projects to determine water quality arising of former mine workings (including restored sites) through investigative monitoring Use of research findings to devise appropriate solutions to control and mitigate against contamination of the water environment (groundwater, surface waters and wetlands).

To reduce sediment load and contamination of the water environment within the study area, the following opportunities 38

Image 22: Outfall at the Burn edge near to Chester-leStreet

could be implemented catchment wide: 



Promote Catchment Sensitive Farming, particularly on the south side of the Twizell Burn/Cong Burn; engagement with the agricultural sector would be supported by Natural England linking with Wear Rivers Trust; Assessments and promotion of Good Environmental and Agricultural Condition (GAEC) and development of farm waste management plans at farm steads

There is significant green space throughout the study area which through enhanced design could be used to improve habitat, water quality and drainage attenuation within the natural flood plain. This is discussed in more detail in the Surface Water Management Chapter 3. Primary locations where opportunities could be explored are listed as follows:

2.6.1 Reach A 



Stanley Burn / Twizell Burn at Morrison Busty coalfield enhancement of existing wetland, and creation of SuDS wetland attenuation to treat surface water draining to the Stanley Burn. (SuDS wetland attenuation also designed to capture drainage from upstream industrial estates) South Moor Road and Pine Street, South Moor - creation of bio-retention pits as part of Sustainable Drainage Scheme (SuDS) scheme (initial outline by Fairhurst15)

2.6.2 Reach B 



Twizell Burn at Alma Woods (Reach B) - protection and enhancement of wet woodlands and wetland habitat to attenuate and cleanse water following flash floods; Twizell Burn at Newbridge Banks (Reach B); modification to cascading weir impoundment to reduce erosion of embankments and regulate sediment transfer downstream;

2.6.3 Reach C 

Cong Burn at Chester-le-Street riverside — creation of flood detention basin, ponds/wetland to store flood water (Reach C).

Image 23: Access and drainage within Reach C

39

WATER QUALITY SUMMARY 

The Waterbody is classified poor for 4 water quality elements and moderate for 3 water quality elements which all need to be addressed to achieve the required ‘good’ status under the Water Framework Directive



There are a number of pollution sources affecting the area including point source and diffuse pollution 

Point source pollution is more prevalent in Reach A



Diffuse pollution is more prevalent in Reaches B and C

There are 30 Combined Sewer Outfalls in the study area



There are 7 farmsteads in the area that could be engaged as part of a diffuse pollution project



Projects to improve pollution from high risk industries have already occurred with the 3 industrial estates in the study area



Opportunities to enhance water quality will in turn enhance, land use, biodiversity and surface water management



Educational activities/awareness initiatives

±



Scale: 1:26,000 40

41

Image 24: Twizell Burn in Reach B

42

3. Fluvial and Surface Water Management 3.1 Hydromorphology Hydromorphology is a term born out of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) and used to describe the morphology of rivers, lakes, estuaries and coastal waters in combination with their flow characteristics; hydromorphology has two components: 

hydrology - the flow and quantity of water



geomorphology - the physical characteristics, such as size, shape and structure of a channel, and the processes that influence them.

The Water Framework Directive (WFD) requires surface waters to be managed to safeguard their hydromorphology to protect ecology. Hydromorphology is a supporting element to determining the status of a waterbody. By understanding the relationship between hydromorphology and ecology the river channel habitat and its floodplain (river corridor) can be improved which in turn will work towards achieving Good Ecological Status (GES) for natural water bodies and Good Ecological Potential (GEP) for heavily modified waterbodies such as the Twizell and Chester Burns.

The biology of a river is assessed against biological elements (see Table 1); by improving the hydromorphology of the river and its corridor, this will in turn improve the biology of the river which is assessed in terms of WFD. Table 1 Biological elements which are supported by hydromorphology Biological element Macrophyte (aquatic plants)

Definition

Phytobenthos

Algae that live on the river bed and other hard surfaces.

Benthic macro invertebrates

Aquatic invertebrates e.g. worms and insects that spend part of their lifecycle in or on substrates on the bottom of the river

Fish

Dependent on suitable habitat such as gravels on which to spawn and oxygenated water.

Aquatic plants e.g. flowering plants, reeds, rushes mosses and some algae.

Migratory species require unobstructed fish passage up and downstream 43

WFD describes the physical environment in terms of 'hydromorphological quality elements' (HQEs) as follows: 

Hydrological regime 

Quantity and dynamics of water flow



Connection to groundwater



River continuity



Morphological conditions



River depth and width variation 

Structure and substrate of the river bed



Structure of the riparian zone

When describing the channel form and processes operating within the fluvial system in relation to WFD, it is useful to refer to the HQEs.

3.2 Baseline There are two waterbodies within the study area: 

Twizell Burn from source to Cong Burn (Reach A to B)



The Cong Burn (from Twizell Burn to River Wear), referred to as the Chester Burn (Reach C)

Both waterbodies are classified as heavily modified for reasons of urbanisation, with an ecological status of moderate.

3.2.1 Reach A to B—Twizell Burn from source to Cong Burn The headwaters of the Twizell Burn are situated within and upstream of Langley Moor Plantation and the drains of Langley Moor (NGR NZ1821850242, altitude 220m AOD).

A large proportion within the burn does flow in open space mainly in Reaches A and B, but overall the channel is often heavily modified and engineered from its natural state and course. The gradient is steep in urban areas around South Stanley but becomes shallow downstream through Craghead and continues the same as it flows through towards Grange Villa.

Downstream of Hustledown treatment works and up to Grange Villa, the Burn flows in very steeped sided channel.

From the source of the Twizell Burn to the confluence of the Cong Burn with the River Wear there are a variety of clean water and pollution inputs to the river system. Monitoring data reveals that pollutants contributing to the moderate ecological potential of these waterbodies include nutrients from sewage and agricultural sources, specific pollutants including metals from trade effluents, historical mine water drainage and spoil heaps.

44

Image 25: Saturated path / land along the north edge of Chapman’s Well

Sediment inputs from urban and rural runoff also impact upon water quality (and ecology) throughout the catchment. As the catchment is prone to flash-flooding - latest major event was in Chester-le-Street in 2012 affecting 80 residential and business properties - sediments are frequently mobilised giving rise to turbid water following heavy rain and also act as a path for the release of pollutants from sediments in to the water environment.

To improve water quality to achieve Good Ecological Potential the catchment dynamics must be understood, including the hydrological regime, geomorphology and land-use, sources of pollutants and constraints to addressing them. A detailed review of catchment characteristics and opportunities to improve water quality has been provided in Chapter 2.

3.2.2 Reach B to C—The Cong Burn (from Twizell Burn to River Wear), referred to as the Chester Burn

Image 26: Access and surface water drainage in Reach C

The Cong Burn meets the Twizell Burn at Pelton Fell Bridge, (NZ2676151728). From here in it is referred to as the Chester Burn. There have been a number of flooding issues downstream of the confluence and the burn is converted through much of the town center until it’s confluence with the Wear.

3.3 Historic changes The predominant changes to the river course have been the result of some extensive culverting, notably beneath Chester-LeStreet (Reach C), but also in sections throughout the reach such as beneath the playing fields located in South Stanley, east of Memorial Park (Reach A) and beneath Newbridge Banks in Reach B, for example. Historic maps, as held by Durham County Council Record Office, show very little natural alteration to the morphology of the river since 1860. In sections, such as through Stanley Wood and Twizell Burn Wood (Reaches A & B respectively), the relative shallow profile of the Burn coupled with the steep river banks offer little erosional potential to alter the course significantly, though records do show very minor changes to course. Changes to the river are noted in the eastern part of Twizell Burn Wood (Reach B), approaching Newbridge Banks and to the immediate east of Newbridge Banks, which are all attributed to artificial channelling and diversion from the natural course for the coal mining industry and related brick works. The burn then reverts to its natural course between Grange Villa / Newbridge Banks and Chester-Le-Street, where the burn is culverted beneath Chester-Le-Street marketplace and town centre.

3.4 Fluvial System The catchment lies to the south of the conurbation of Stanley and the burn flows east towards its confluence with the Cong 45

Burn at Chester-le –Street. The burn and its catchment can be separated into 3 distinct ‘reaches’ which constitute the study area for the main body of this report. 





Stanley – the source of the burn rises just south of Annfield Plain where it is known as the Stanley Burn on the outskirts of Stanley, it then flows to the south of the town, skirting or running through the urban areas in places. The burn then emerges from Stanley at Hussledown works.

Mid Rural – the mid-section of the burn is primarily a rural area, which is largely wooded with steep banks on one or both sides of the water course. The burn passes the small settlements of The Middles, Crag Head (wherein it becomes the Twizell Burn), Grange Villa and Pelton Fell before flowing east towards Chester-le-Street.

Chester-le-Street – the Twizell Burn confluences with the Cong Burn just as it meets the town of Chester-le-Street.

From here in it is referred to as the Chester Burn. There have been a number of flooding issues downstream of the confluence and the burn is culverted through much of the town centre until it’s confluence with the Wear.

The Durham coalfield is prevalent throughout the stretch of the Twizell Burn, with the County Durham Geodiversity Audit recognising the Westphalian ‘Coal Measures’ running between Consett and east of Chester-Le-Street in this part of County Durham. This layer of rock contains shales, sandstones and coal seams and lies on top several other layers of limestones, sandstones and shales.

3.5 Flooding As the hydromorphological designation implies, the Twizell Burn and Cong Burn have been heavily engineered, in connection with industrial (mainly mining) activity and urbanisation in the catchment.

Prior to WFD, less emphasis was placed upon preservation of the natural river hydromorphology, including the form of the river bed, embankments and connectivity of the river with the floodplain. Engineering works were largely authorised where the design met the overall development needs.

With the introduction of WFD regulations, the impacts of proposed river engineering works (e.g. flood alleviation schemes, in-stream structures, and bank protection works) are assessed to determine likely affects upon the ecological status of the waterbody.

Authorisation from the Environment Agency is required before certain engineering works (and the abstraction of water over certain volumes) can take place. Conditions are imposed for the design and construction and similarly for the maintenance of new and existing engineering structures.

Impermeable surfaces such as concrete pavements, tiled roofing 46

Image 27: Road and built infrastructure / culvert at Chester-le-Street

and tarmacked roads in the built environment limit the natural infiltration of rainwater to soils, groundwater stores and rivers.

Traditional practice has been to collect rainfall and surface water runoff from urban areas to sewer networks and/or surface water drains to rivers. The rapid transfer of surface water to rivers through piped systems and overland runoff over a short period of time results in peak flows in the river channel.

With climate change, storm events (including rainfall and other precipitation such as snowfall) have become more frequent, and increasingly, greater volumes of water are being experienced.

Particularly in low-lying urban areas such as Chester-le-Street.

Flooding on developed land and green space is problematic to residents and authorities and other water users including wildlife, causing disruption to homes, infrastructure and habitats.

Flooding is common in the study area, particularly in the mid to lower reaches. Flood zones (1:1000 year and 1:100 year events) are illustrated on Figure 3, as are the locations of existing flood defences and areas benefiting from them. Recently the most notable flood event occurred in 2012. This resulted in substantial numbers of residential and commercial properties being flooded in Chester-leStreet.

Traditional practice has been to remove all surface water runoff and wastewater flows from the built environment via piped drainage systems directly to rivers, or to surface water drains and/or to combined sewer networks which ultimately convey flow to rivers.

Affording an alternative to (and a greater interval between) rainfall and end of pipe discharge, Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) mimic natural drainage through incorporating features such as ponds and swales that slow, store or filter water at the surface.

SUDS help attenuate water close to its source and through filtration and storage allow potential pollutants and sediments to settle and degrade in the environment, assisted by natural bio-chemical processes and plants.

Culverting and canalisation of river sections to reclaim land and access for coal mining, housing and transport infrastructure has occurred all along the Burn corridor.

3.5.1 Reach A The following areas in this reach are prone to flooding:

  

Twizell Burn at South Moor Road

 

Twizell Burn at South Moor Road

Culverts at South Moor Memorial Park,

Twizell Burn at Middles, associated with maintenance required to clear drainage from farmland Twizell Burn at South Moor Road, culverted section from South 47

Moor Memorial Park Twizell Burn at Middles, associated with maintenance required to clear drainage from farmland Drainage sinks were also reported at: Mine shaft near Quaking Houses – the course of water after entry to the (suspected) mine shaft or fissure is not known.

The upstream catchment of the Twizell is largely rural; not being a main river it is unlikely to be eligible for Flood Defence Grant in Aid (FDGIA) funding. The most significant urban area in the upstream catchment is Stanley; whilst local authority flood alleviation proposals are not currently in place for the Stanley area, measures to attenuate flow and to help improve water quality catchment wide are being investigated. The local authority has commissioned an appraisal of opportunities for Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems across the catchment. The outcomes and recommendations of recent studies carried out by Fairhurst (November 2014) are considered below.

Surface Water Management Plan (SWMP) Studies conducted by Fairhurst (November 2014) identified opportunities for SUDS within the study area, these are outlined in the opportunities for Reaches A and B below. The report focused upon a primary site at South Moor referred to as ‘Pine Street Empty Homes cluster’.

SUDS options outlined by Fairhurst’s report could be repeated, (subject to ground survey and appropriate design specification), in other similar residential areas across the catchment and include the main features as follows: 





Porous paving; as an alternative to impermeable tarmac and concrete surfaces, porous paving could be installed in car parks and yards to attenuate water, capture sediment and treat pollutant loads; Rain gardens; green roofs and rain gardens can reduce peak flow and the total volume discharged to surface water systems and improve water quality. In addition, they can improve insulation and increase the lifespan of the roof.

Bio-swales to treat surface water; could be installed alongside roads replacing conventional kerbs, saving construction and maintenance costs.

Other options, for green-spaces, including farmlands and former mining sites include: The creation of ponds and/or reed beds and wetlands to treat surface water (before discharge to the river, and/or intermediary surface water drainage / or combined sewer system).

3.5.2 Reach B In this reach, weirs and dam impoundments have been installed to control the flow regime, making the middle reaches of the Twizell Burn impassable to fish; this is particularly evident at the cascading weir at Newbridge Banks and the series of smaller 48

Image 28: Small culvert in Langleymoor Plantation

weirs on approach to this which are discussed further in chapters 4 and 7.

3.5.3 Reach C In this reach there are a number of modifications to the channel:  Development on river embankments and floodplains (including parks, forestry and green-spaces) consuming and altering the natural riparian habitat, and constraining the dissipation of energy.  Road crossings (bridges) on the Chester Burn from Twizell Burn to River Wear, notably Spa bridge (recent works have stabilised this bridge) and Pelton Fell bridge. Raised water levels and impacts upon infrastructure have been attributed to sediment accumulation  Chester Burn at Chester-le-Street riverside (Hogarth Gardens), to Burn Greens and the confluence with the River Wear Measures being considered to address flooding and improve biodiversity across the study area include the daylighting of culverts; locations where culvert daylighting may be appropriate are listed more fully in the opportunities below. The town of Chester-le-Street is situated within the floodplain of the River Wear; due to significant historical flooding issues associated with both the River Wear and the Chester Burn, Chester-le-Street is prioritised for further flood alleviation measures and the Environment Agency are leading on a flood alleviation scheme (FAS).

Potential barriers to daylighting have also been identified; 



The culvert arises at the railway viaduct and passes under Chester-le-Street marketplace; a popular attraction to the town and component of the local economy. Daylighting would reduce space for usual market place activities.

The culvert crosses several roads hence engineering around road infrastructure could disrupt transport and increase the cost of any works significantly.

The Environment Agency’s Medium Term Plan (MTP) has identified the need for funding for the daylighting proposals in 2019/20. Work is currently underway to identify a possible funding package from various stakeholders to contribute to the works.

3.6 County Durham Surface Water Management Plan

Image 29: Pinch point and bank structure in Reach A

The County Durham Surface Water Management Plan (SWMP)16 sets out a number of key issues and ‘next steps’ for improving surface water management across the county, The SWMP partnership comprises of Durham County Council, the Environment Agency and Northumbrian Water and sets out key principles to improve surface water management with positive impacts on flooding, water quality and to influence developments to manage surface water . The 4 overriding objectives are defined as:  “Guide limited resources to critical drainage areas of greatest need (existing development) 49



 

Ensure the level of future development does not exacerbate existing problems and identify opportunities for new development to provide benefits in terms of flood risk management Inform emergency planning and feed in to Durham County Council’s Flood Plan Protect and improve water quality in accordance with the objectives in WFD”

Key findings acknowledge that maintenance of drainage systems, both man-made and natural, is essential in managing the flow rate of surface water and associated impacts. Particular emphasis is placed on developers to implement best practice for managing surface water. 4 areas of possible development are identified in Stanley and Chester-le-Street which demonstrate the potential for improving surface water management and to attract support from organisations external to the SWMP partners.

3.7 Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) During 2014/15, Fairhurst (FH) completed a South Moor Surface Water Management15 review with significant focus on a SuDS assessment, primarily looking at SuDS measures that could be implemented in 6 streets in South Moor (Reach A), referred to as the primary study area (see Chapter 3 map), in order to ascertain how to improve surface water management. All suggested measures followed the SuDS principles of:  

Mimicking natural drainage where feasible; Controlling water at its source.

With the support of the Environment Agency and Northumbrian Water, Fairhurst were able to identify a series of SuDS for the primary study area and those which theoretically would benefit a wider secondary area too (see Chapter 3 map). The results of the hydraulic modelling that FH undertook and the subsequent designs for SuDS implementation in the primary study area, including rain gardens, permeable paving and bio-swales (see Appendix 2).

It is noted that available space impacts significantly on the variety of SuDS available to be implemented and the ability of the SuDS to attenuate and reduce flow rates. There are therefore more options within the wider secondary area as well as the wider catchment as a whole for implementation of SuDS, including: 

Swales



Attenuation Basins



Trench Troughs



Green Roofs



Filter Strips



Retention Ponds

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Image 30: Evidence of artificial channelling through Reach B



Wetlands

FH report that the implementation of SuDS would provide nonmonetised and socio-economic enhancements to the local catchment, community and environment through the incorporation of retrofit SuDS features. However, due to increased available space and range of SuDS options available, these benefits significantly increase through the implementation of SuDS in the Secondary Study Area, where larger scale and ‘soft’ SuDS, such as swales and detention basins can be constructed.

3.8 Opportunities There are a number of opportunities which could be realised which will improve the hydromorphology of the river and its corridor, and therefore improve the biology of the river (see Table 2.1 below). In reality the improvement to a channel, the target biological element and HQEs are all interlinked.

When looking for opportunities, it is important to bear in mind that channel processes of variance in flow volumes and velocity and sediment transport regime including the erosion, storage and deposition of sediments, create and maintain habitats for aquatic life.

Sediment is moved around within the channel and arranged into a series of habitats or bedforms. These bedforms include pools, riffles, bars and backwaters and a variance in the channel bed, thus improving the biological habitat. Erosion in one part of the river may provide sediment for habitat downstream. The waterbodies are heavily modified and culverted in places reducing the opportunity for the process of sediment transport from one place to another and therefore habitat to develop.

As discussed in previous chapters, there is the potential to develop a large scale partnership programme (the Greening Twizell Partnership - GTP) of projects using the varying range of expertise of the partnership group to bring together and deliver on a wide range of GI projects.

To progress this masterplan to the project stage, the GTP will have to gather further information to gain an understanding of the processes operating within the catchment:

Image 31: An example of heavily modified stretches of the Burn downstream of Newbridge Banks



Processes – erosion, transport and deposition, areas of channel instability, sediment sources, sediment transfer and storage



Channel form and behaviour – variability in flow and sediment regimes



Channel response to change – lateral and vertical response, context with the catchment, area areas more susceptible than others, areas at risk

As hydromorphology is a supporting element, any project(s) would aim to improve the hydromorphology quality elements of a reach with the overall objective of improving the local ecology and biology elements listed above and therefore move the WFD status from 51

moderate to Good Ecological Potential (GEP).

When looking for opportunities within the project to achieve WFD objectives, an improvement in fish ecology could be brought about by improving fish spawning habitat for example through increasing the flow diversity within the channel, improving the channel bed and addressing agricultural runoff. Where the planform of a channel is constrained due to major infrastructure, work can be done within the confines on the channel to diversify the channel cross section.

Any work will take into account the natural sediment regime of the river and demonstrate an understanding of the sediment transport processes of supply, transport and storage zones, the natural flow regime, channel processes including channel adjustment and how this carves out the morphology of the channel. All work will be WFD compliant.

In addition to engineering solutions as identified below, flood risk can be mitigated by ensuring that the channel is free-flowing; fallen trees, shopping trolleys, sewage debris, and wastes (including fly tipped tyres, sewage and windblown debris) that cause obstruction to flow and culvert blockages and were observed throughout the catchment, particularly at the downstream section of the Twizell Burn and in the Cong Burn from the Twizell to the River Wear.

Regular waste clearance and removal of sediment could help free

52

capacity in culverts and the channel cross-sectional area improving the natural flow regime, habitat and water quality.

A ranger post as part of the Greening Twizell Partnership would assist with this.

As supported by the County Durham Surface Water Management Plan16 and the South Moor Surface Water Management Plan15, a number of opportunities to incorporate SuDS features across the catchment are recognised in order to: 

Improve water quality and support WFD targets;



Reduce the impact of surface water on the man-made drainage network, particularly to reduce the number of CSOs discharging;



Manage surface water at source and improve flow rates maintaining a more even and steady flow in watercourses;

In order to do this successfully, opportunities exist to: 

Retrofit SuDS in existing green-spaces and the built environment - notably in the Primary Study Area as a first phase, before rolling out in to the wider Secondary Study Area and catchment as a whole;



Incorporating SuDS in the design of new developments.

Image 32: Evidence of heavily modified structures affecting flow and fish passage

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3.8.1 Reach A As detailed by Fairhurst, opportunities exist for the implementation of SuDS, including permeable paving, stormwater planters and rain gardens, within the primary study area. Additionally SuDS, including attenuation basins, and swales, could be implemented in the secondary study area which sits predominantly with Reach A. Additional locations where SuDS design options and installation options should be considered include: 

The site of Durham Hartland Heaths project – Chapman’s Well



Morrison Busty restored coalfield



South Moor Road—Memorial Park and playing fields to the rear of Greenland Community Primary School



Hollyhill (proposed Persimmon housing development)



The Fairhurst report identifies opportunities to retro-fit SuDS components into existing public open space on a large site or on a regional scale in the urban areas – mainly towards South Stanley where the gradient of the river is steep and the floodplains are relatively wider.



The report recommends using local school playing fields and playgrounds to manage surface water runoff through initiatives such as ‘SuDS for Schools’ run by the Wildlife and Wetlands Trust in partnership with Natural England.

3.8.2 Reach B Linked with other themes, including community energy, recreation, water quality and biodiversity, opportunities in this Reach are summarised as follows: 

Feasibility study for river restoration and/or modification of cascading weir (dam impoundment) at Twizell Burn, Newbridge Banks to incorporate community hydro scheme and improvements for fish passage (salmon and trout)



Subject to flow conditions, profits from community hydro scheme could go back into funding river restoration works across the study area, and/or potentially fund flood alleviation and SUDs schemes throughout the burn corridor



The South Moor SWMP report by Fairhurst identifies SuDS opportunities at Grange Villa as there are adequate areas of open space. This will attenuate, store and improve water quality of runoff therefore increasing water quality in the Twizell Burn.

3.8.3 Reach C The benefits of daylighting sections of the Chester Burn culvert at Chester-Le-Street are summarised as:  54

Regeneration of the middle of Chester-le-Street, making the

  

river a feature of the town; this could potentially bring commercial benefits and buffer noise from the town with the sound of water.

Reduced maintenance costs (not having to clear out the culverts on a semi-regular basis); Improve aquatic habitat (flora and fauna); Improve hydromorphology; the Cong Burn waterbody is designated heavily modified under WFD.

FLUVIAL AND SURFACE WATER MANAGEMENT SUMMARY 

There are a number of modifications to the channel across the study area including, culverts and weirs



Modifications to the channel have contributed to flow and recent flood events in Chester -le-Street



Some of these obstructions are impassable to fish



There are 2 potential major engineering schemes; deculverting at Chester-le-Street and hydro electricity generation/renaturalisation of the cascading weir at Newbridge Banks



There is the potential for installation of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems across the catchment, especially in Reach A.



SUDs schemes could build on the initial County Durham Surface Water Management Plan (SWMP) and more recent South Moor SWMP



There is potential to influence planners to invest in SuDS and measures to improve surface water management

Image 33: Evidence of debris within Twizell Burn, near Memorial Park

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± Scale: 1:26,000

56

57

Image 34: View of the playing fields at North Shore

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4. Biodiversity and landscape 4.1 Characteristics & Issues 4.1.1 The Landscape The catchment lies within Natural England’s National Character Areas (NCA) 16 Durham Coalfield Pennine Fringe and 14 Tyne and Wear Lowlands. The catchment is primarily rural (66.5%) urban (33.5%) and much of the Burn corridor falls under the ownership of Durham County Council.

The Durham Coalfield Pennine Fringe NCA (NCA 16) is described as a ‘transitional landscape between the North Pennines NCA to the West and the Tyne and Wear Lowlands to the east’ Just over half of the catchment, from Source to Grange Villa sits within the boundary for NCA 16 5.

The remainder of the catchment, downstream of Grange Villa to the confluence with the Wear at Chester le Street is within NCA 14, the Tyne and Wear Lowlands. NCA 14 is described as ‘an area of gently undulating land, incised by the valleys of the major rivers and their tributaries.4 The source of the burn is in the east of Durham Coalfield Pennine fringe a landscape of mixed arable farming typically divided by hedgerows. The Twizell is typical of the river valleys within this NCA and is surrounded by woodland and conifer plantations, notably: 

Reach A - Langleymoor Plantation, South Stanley Woods Nature Reserve and Stanley Wood;



Reach B – Twizell Wood, Fox and Parrot Wood, The Bottoms and Grange Plantation;

The woodland corridor is a five mile stretch intercepted by only a few roads.

The coal mining heritage has left a strong mark on the landscape, influencing settlement patterns and infrastructure and there are a high proportion of reclaimed sites along the Twizell as is typical of the NCA. The coal mining heritage of the area will be discussed further in chapter 6.

The underlying geology of the area is the coal measures, comprising of thinly bedded mudstones, ironstones and coal seams and boulder clay which covers much of the area especially the valley slopes. The valleys also have deposits of alluvial sands and gravels.

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4.1.2 Biodiversity The riparian habitat is generally of a fair quality. As discussed below there are important habitats and species across the study area and also the wider catchment. It is the aquatic habitat of the burn itself where biodiversity is lacking. The full issues with water quality and the burn’s classification under the Water Framework Directive (WFD) are discussed in chapter 2, however along some stretches the biological quality of fish is deemed poor and Macrophytes and Phytobenthos (aquatic plants) are deemed moderate and thus need attention to achieve the required ‘good’ status under WFD. There are a number of important species and habitats within the study area and wider catchment as defined within the Durham Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) and are detailed in section 4.5.

The following are important as defined in the BAP and are present in the study area:

4.1.3 Habitats & Species  



      

Native Hedgerows (varies catchment wide) Woodland and Scrub (broadleaf woodland throughout both catchments, much of the river corridors are wooded. Wet woodland is present in Alma woods) Ponds (a number of BAP ponds in the rural catchment of the Cong Burn, more information is included within Chapter 8) Reedbeds (Chapman’s Well - Reach A) Rivers & Streams Upland Dry Heath and Acid Grassland (Chapman’s Well Reach A) Brownfield Sites Built Structures Lowland Meadows & Pasture Transport Corridors

Species include:  Brown Trout  Great Crested Newt  Otter  Dingy Skipper  Badger (Setts are interspersed throughout the catchment) There are a number of other species on the Durham BAP that are also present in the study area and wider catchment, including a variety of birds, small mammals and invertebrates.

Veteran trees are also present in the Cong Catchment. These species listed above are those that were flagged as important by Durham County Council/Durham Biodiversity and the relevant data supplied.

Modifications to the channel, through artificial channelling, culverting and the creation of pinch points by road and bridge infrastructure, can all impact on the flow of water and subsequently fish passage. Historic culverts may cause either delay to or total exclusion of migrating fish. The common reasons for both of these problems include excessive water 60

Image 35: Chapman’s Well Local Nature Reserve

velocities, inadequate (shallow) depth or culvert diameter, sudden change of invert level between the culvert and the watercourse, rapid change in stream hydraulics at the upstream inlet, lack of resting places, and debris accumulations causing physical blockage. Culverting effectively removes the natural habitats both of the watercourse itself and of the bank-side habitats; this can lead to fragmentation of habitats, especially in urban environments where biodiversity corridors are especially important. Enclosed culverts also remove natural daylight from areas of the water course, thus preventing plant growth and being undesirable to fish. Culverts can also be prone to blockage which can lead to localised flooding. Modifications to the channel are discussed further in Chapter 3 There are 2 designated Local Nature Reserves (LNRs) in the Twizell Burn catchment, at Chapman’s Well and South Stanley Woods. There is also a Special Sites of Scientific Interest (SSSIs) at Greencroft and Langley Moor. Locations are marked on Map 4 - Landscape. Details about the SSSI are in section 4.5.

Of the 39 people surveyed as part of the community consultation exercise 63% said they would like to see improvements to conservation, 48% said they would utilise improvements to interpretation around habitats and biodiversity and 56% said they would be interested in learning about biodiversity and conservation. In addition 26% said they would utilise improvements for recreational fishing and 22% said they would like to learn more about fishing. Of the 14 who expressed a wish to become involved with any future project 62% would like to get involved with practical conservation activities.

4.2 Poor Water Quality There are a number of water quality issues in the Twizell Burn, these are described in more detail in chapter 2. Much of the water pollution in the beck originates from diffuse rather that point source pollution, which effects the overall water quality of the burn and thus the overall status of the biodiversity in the channel itself. Point source pollution to the beck can be seen from unsatisfactory Combined Sewer Outfalls (CSOs), which contribute to the nutrient load of the burn, and somewhat from domestic wrong-connections and landfill leachate (where these can be identified). Diffuse pollution can be seen from leachate from mine workings and agricultural runoff.

Image 36: Artificial channelling within Twizell Wood, upstream of Newbridge Banks

The addition of sewage to an aquatic system can cause eutrophication, especially in the summertime and this has been observed in the channel in the study area particularly where the channel is unshaded. Eutrophication occurs when excess nutrients (phosphates and nitrates) enter a water course and cause algal blooms. The effect of these algal blooms is twofold, firstly they both limit the sunlight available to bottom-dwelling organisms and plants thus preventing them from photosynthesising and producing oxygen and secondly as the algae dies and decomposes, dissolved oxygen is used up by the microorganisms involved in the decomposition process. Under eutrophic conditions, dissolved oxygen increases during the day via photosynthesis of the algae and plants (where light is not blocked), but is greatly reduced after dark by the respiring algae and microorganisms. The water body can become hypoxic (have a low oxygen level) and cause suffocation in fish and other 61

animals. Certain kinds of algal blooms can also release toxins, posing a threat to biodiversity and a health hazard to the public.

Eutrophication was not observed during the walkover, however these took place in November 2014, and Eutrophication is a phenomena more prevalent in the summer months.

Domestic wrong-connections, can result in significant water pollution problems. Detergents, including those that are biodegradable can have toxic effects in all types of aquatic life if they are present in sufficient quantities. All detergents destroy the external mucus layers that protect fish from bacteria and parasites and they can cause severe damage to the gills.

Furthermore, phosphates in detergents can lead to freshwater algal blooms that can cause eutrophication and can potentially be toxic. Vehicle washing from domestic premises is also a contributing factor to detergents entering surface waters.

4.3 Contaminated Land

Image 37: Plantation of deciduous trees near Newbridge Banks

There are likely to be areas of contaminated land in the study area due to the historical industrial legacy which could affect the burn (via leachate) and its adjacent habitats, heavy metals for example over time can bio-accumulate up the food chain and can be toxic, and cause chronic illness in long-lived predatory species. Contaminated land issues in the study area are likely to be due to the prevalence of previous heavy industry in the form of coal mining and steel works and its legacy.

4.4 Urbanisation Urbanisation of the catchment is not widespread, however Durham County Council propose to build more than 30,000 houses in the County before 2030, with 6 development sites currently planned within the catchment and a number of developments are also currently being constructed. The growth and development of communities and associated infrastructure can directly affect biodiversity both by the change in land use and the immediate effect on water quality. Urbanisation can both destroy an original habitat and lead to habitat fragmentation, preventing the movement of species from one area to another. Urbanisation of an area also increases both the volume and speed of storm runoff, as well as introducing pollutants into the flow. Hence, widespread urbanisation can and has resulted in river flooding problems as well as water quality and resultant biodiversity issues.

4.5 Reach A The majority of the area around the source of the burn is a restored former coal mine, spoil heap and open cast mining area.

A Local Nature Reserve (LNR), Chapman’s Well, managed by Durham County Council, covers a large area of this section of the burn. Apart from a small notice board next to the area to the south of the Morrison Busty Depot there is very little information or maps in evidence on site.

The reserve consists of various marshland, heathland and wetland habitats that have been created as part of the 62

Image 38: Chanel invasion and obstruction by riparian habitat

restoration of the Morrison Busty colliery which operated from 1927 to 1973 and adjacent spoil heap that accepted material from other collieries and following open cast mining that covered most of this area between 1986 and 1992. Some of the wetland areas, including reed-beds for run-off filtration are in an unfavourable condition. Some tree planting has been established that forms Langley Moor Plantation but the remainder of the reclaimed area is left to grassland. The area to the south has many conspicuous vents, pipes and monitoring equipment. It is likely that there will be instances of both contaminated land and leachate in this area, from the old mine workings, the council depot at Morrison Busty and potentially from industrial activities at Morrison Road North Industrial Estate (Annfield Plain).

Langley Moor Plantation is managed by the Woodland Trust and extends either side of the two minor watercourses that source near Morrison Busty Depot – the Durham County Council owned depot and recycling centre. The plantation consists of a high percentage of conifers however there are some mature deciduous trees including some fine mature beech that extend along the valley slopes of the southern watercourse. The plantation and woodland appear well managed and under storey vegetation is varied.

Within Chapman’s Well is the Greencroft and Langley Moor SSSI, totalling 27.7ha. The SSSI comprises many areas of heathland and mire habitats with associated birch woodland.

This is deemed to be rare as many areas of similar habitat across lowland County Durham have been lost to various developments17. Species of prevalence and importance within the SSSI include:

Image 39 Step weirs provide barrier to fish migration



Heather - Calluan vulgaris



Mat-grass - Nardus stritica



Heath Rush - Juncus Squarrosus



Common Sedge - Carex nigra



Purple Moor-grass - Molina caerula



Hare’s-tail cottongrass—Eriophorum vaginatum



Soft-rush - Juncus effuses



Common Cottongrass - Eriophorum angustifolium



Carnation Sedge - Carex panacea



Marsh Violet - Viola palustris



Sneezewort - Achillea ptarmica



Devil’s-bit scabacious - Succia pratentsis



Greater Bird’s-foot Trefoil - Lotus uliginosus



Downy Birch - Betula pubescens



Sessile Oak - Quercus petraea



Tufted Hair-grass - Deschampsia cespitosa 63



Bog Moss - Sphagnum recurvum



Bilberry - Vaccinium myrtillus



Greater Crested Newts



Black Darter Drangonfly - Sympetrum danae

In addition the species listed, Natural England18 recognise that lowland dwarf shrub heath and broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland are present with the SSSI. English Nature also identify a mosaic of wet and dry heath areas, broadleaf woodland and ponds which support a diverse range of flora and fauna, however also note that invasive species such as Rhoddodendrum, Himalayan balsam, Australian swap stonecrop and parrot’s feather require controlling to ensure they do not take over available habitat and smother native species.19.

Near to Morrison Busty Depot to the north west of the study area there are patches of open ground with very little vegetation these are brownfield areas valuable for rarer butterflies such as dingy skipper, common blue and small heath. The area immediately west of Morrison Busty depot has recently undergone some disturbance (unknown) and has been left in an unfinished state.

The section of Twizell Burn between Chapman’s Well and Memorial Park is narrow and contained by agricultural fields to the north and the settlement of Quaking Houses to the south.

Stanley Burn starts at the confluence of two tributary streams a short distance north of the settlement of Quaking Houses.

However the burn is immediately culverted for a 50 metre section before re-appearing at the start of South Moor Woods.

The burn through this section has steeper tree covered slopes.

The woodland is mainly mature beech with some shrub understorey including an isolated denser stand of Laurel.

Stanley Burn is culverted from South Moor Road to Tyne Road East a distance of around 700 metres. Stanley Burn re-appears from the culvert to the east of Tyne Road East, and from here the burn has created an incised valley that is covered in mixed woodland that forms Middles Wood, Stanley Wood, Dene Wood and then Twizell Wood. Stanley Burn becomes Twizell Burn to the north of Craghead. Middles wood consists of mixture of mature deciduous trees with a healthy layer of under storey shrubs. To the south bank of the burn there is a new housing development at Hollyhill, with much of the site still under construction, there appear to be a number of access ways that will link the estate with houses to the north side of the burn via Middles Wood.

Middles Wood is separated from Stanley Wood by Durham Road the B6532. Part of Stanley Wood is a designated as a Local Nature Reserve; South Stanley Woods Nature Reserve.

Hussledown Sewage Treatment Works are situated adjacent to Stanley Woods approximately 150 metres from the burn. There is a phased housing project taking place in this area.

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Image 40: Riparian habitat within Chester-Le-Street

A tributary joins the main channel from its culvert under the B6313, this flows from South Moor Golf Course through Kate’s Gill. At Kate’s Gill there is a population of brown trout that appears separated from the main Twizell and Cong Burns that are prevented from moving either upstream or down stream due to the impassable culvert. These fish, observed by Chester-leStreet Angling Club, may show visible signs of being a distinct population (they are predominantly dark in colour, as opposed to the usual mottled colour with dark spots). The water appears clean and detergent free upstream of the culvert at Kate’s Gill and locals use the area to fish for brown trout, however at the exit of the culvert it was observed during the walkovers that the water appears contaminated with detergent, likely from domestic wrong-connections.

Groundwork NE & Cumbria carried out litter picking and silt removal work in the area as detailed in Chapter 2.

Stanley Wood has a similar vegetation character to Middles Wood with a mixture of deciduous trees and understorey shrubs.

The topography however is different with the steep sides of Middles Wood easing to more gradual slopes. There are isolated areas of wetland habitat fed by runoff from the agricultural fields to the north.

There are a number of designated/important sites along this reach, these are:  Chapman’s Well Local Nature Reserve - an area of heathland and wetlands (reedbeds) which support a number of species including the rare, BAP listed Dingy Skipper Butterfly.  South Stanley Woods Local Nature Reserve – native woodland along the riparian corridor  Greencroft and Langley Moor SSSI designated as being in “Unfavourable Recovering” condition.  Local wildlife site at Ousterley

4.6 Reach B

Image 41: River corridor at confluence with the River Wear

Further downstream toward Stone Row (Grange Villa) is the former site of Twizell Burn Drift Mine (1843 – 1948).

Surrounding this site the valley sides are covered in coniferous trees and form Twizell Plantation located to the north east of Fox and Parrot Woodland (managed by Woodland Trust). A number of stone abutments either side of the burn suggest that at some point there were a number of crossing points possibly related to mining operations. Evidence of the reclamation of the drift mine exists adjacent to the burn at the eastern end of this reach where the watercourse has a concrete base and sides. Close to Stone Row the burn flows over a highly engineered section of watercourse consisting of a cascading weir contained deep within concrete retaining walls and there is an unsightly cage to prevent objects being thrown or falling into the water before the burn enters the culvert under Stone Row. Either side of the burn the land rises steeply and is covered in conifer plantation. A cage structure covers the culvert outfall 65

similar to that on the other side of the road. The cascading weir extends for 150 metres downstream from the road. Combined with the dark coniferous plantation that covers the steep slopes either side of the burn. The Cascading Weir at Newbridge Banks completely prevents the movement of fish upstream with limited downstream movement/washout of juvenile fish during periods of high flow.

Beyond the engineered section of watercourse and conifer plantation the Twizell Burn follows a pleasant meandering course through Grange Plantation and The Bottoms. Either side of the burn there is a mixed selection of trees and shrubs with a few grassy clearings. The floodplain is wider in this section for about one kilometre but the land either side of the burn rises steeply again to the south. This area also has high quality substrate suitable for fish spawning and therefore is of high conservation value. There are two barriers to fish migration between Cong/Twizell confluence and Newbridge Banks weir which act as barriers to fish migration – these are a footbridge and collapsed concrete structure opposite by Burnthouse Road and Allotment gardens and provide and opportunity to improve fish passage.

Detergents likely from domestic wrong-connections were evident in this stretch of the burn during the walkovers.

The valley sides then become steep with dense vegetation. To the south of the burn was the site of Pelton Colliery (1835 to 1965). Spoil heaps above the steeper valley slopes are accessible as part informal/part formal park managed by Durham County Council. Grange Plantation and along access tracks in most of the woodland are showing signs of erosion which could be mitigated by access improvements and appropriate planting regimes.

There is an area of wet woodland at Alma Woods which needs to be appropriately protected and maintained.

Public access to the areas adjacent the Twizell Burn is limited at the southern end of this area due to riparian land being in private ownership At the eastern end of this reach the B6313 is bridged over Twizell Burn and immediately after this bridge the burn joins Cong Burn to become Chester Burn. Recent work has been funded by the Environment Agency to implement a Reed bed mine water treatment scheme that Chester-le-Street & District Angling Club (CDAC) constructed in the nature reserve. Further work funded by WFD Grant in Aid (GiA) has been undertaken by CDAC to improve fish passage in this section. All of the works took place on DCC owned land and the Reed bed won a recent award. This may be replicated in other parts of the catchment and may provide an opportunity for the Twizell Greening Partnership to build on in partnership with angling clubs.

There are a number of important sites for biodiversity in this reach, these are: 66

Image 42: Riparian habitat within Reach C



Twizell woods local wildlife site – woodland along the riparian corridor



Otters are present east of Hett Hills and at the confluence at Pelton Fell



Wet woodland is present at Alma Woods

4.7 Reach C Chester Burn follows a meandering course from Pelton Fell to the Chester Burn Viaduct that carries the East Coast railway line.

The burn is bridged three times by the B6313 which itself winds into Chester-Le-Street. Just before the viaduct the watercourse is culverted for 500 metres emerging 300 metres from the confluence with the River Wear. This is a large culvert and is likely to delay or prevent movement of fish to and from the Wear and cause fragmentation of the habitat. The Chester Burn is canalised for the final section before the culvert and it is not visible from the footpath and road level as it is hidden by the stone walls that form the boundary of the road along this section.

The Grade II listed viaduct is essentially the end of the Chester Valley and the entrance to the town. The valley deepens and the slopes on both sides are wooded giving way to meadow on the north side. The open green slopes on the north side are fringed with pigeon crees and this is tempered by the mixed woodland to the south. The valley area from 500 metres west of the viaduct is included in the Chester-Le-Street Conservation Area and forms an important entrance into Chester-Le-Street.

The Chester Burn re-appears from the culvert close to residential housing and public open spaces that mainly consist of cut grass.

Downstream of the culvert entrance the burn is contained within a concrete channel until the A167 bridge. Flood alleviation walls and banks are prominent in this area. A discreet footpath link at the side of the burn links under the A167 bridge to the Riverside Park Area. From the bridge Chester Burn flows in a deeper channel in to Riverside Park with the sewage works located immediately to the north. Recent siltation issues impacting fisheries habitat in upper reaches of Cong Burn associated with unregulated motocross activity was brought up in community consultation meetings and is a known issue by the Environment Agency. There is an opportunity to engage with and educate this sector and would be one more task that the GTP could work on in collaboration with the EA.

Image 43: Woodland and access in Reach A

Three species of invasive plant, Giant Hogweed, Himalayan Balsam and Japanese Knotweed have been found in various areas along this reach of the burn and along the Wear in the immediate vicinity. Hogweed needs extensive management as seeds can germinate several years after the parent plant is killed. Giant Hogweed is also hazardous to health as it can cause blistering and sensitivity to sunlight.

Otters are present at the confluence of the Twizell and Cong Burns at Pelton Fell and Chester-le-Street.

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4.8 Opportunities Providing that the condition of the land and restoration conditions allow, greater public access to the various sites could be achieved.

In order to establish the current conditions, survey work may be required and this may involve geotechnical and ecological study, especially surrounding restoration and re-naturalisation of the channel.

As well as creating new biodiversity opportunities throughout the area, enhancing and or increased management regimes of the existing Local Nature Reserves should be considered. In addition opportunities exist to support the eradication of invasive species such as Japanese Hogweed and Giant Hogweed to support biodiversity.

There is great potential to open up 2.5km of spawning habitat to migratory salmon from Cong / Twizell confluence upstream to Newbridge Weir and similar opportunities exist in other areas of the catchment.

As discussed is some detail in Chapter 2 there are extensive areas of allotments through the catchment – associated issues with fly tipping, invasive species and poor management which represents significant potential to improve management through working with trusts and owners and improve education.

Landscape and biodiversity opportunities could be completed as a series of coordinated single individual projects or as part of a large programme of improvements of which both approaches would be overseen by the Greening Twizell Partnership All opportunities are discussed further in Chapter 9.

Biodiversity and relevant legislation should be considered throughout when addressing the opportunities. Developments should avoid getting too close to important or sensitive habitat and species. New developments should also look to incorporate measures to enhance the area’s biodiversity through landscaping and SuDS.

4.8.1 Reach A Replacement of the defunct reed beds and on-going maintenance of the Chapman’s Well LNR would assist with water filtration and increase habitat for other wetland species.

Opportunities also exist to improve the SSSI at Greencroft and Langley Moor, notably around the removal and management of non-native species.

Daylighting the 50 metre section of culverted section at Quaking Houses would relieve incidence of flooding upstream and renaturalise the channel so aquatic plants can re-colonise and fish can move more freely. Additional biodiversity opportunities should be considered to the adjacent woodland area, such as selective felling and a maintenance regime of the plantation to allow for a richer understorey of vegetation to develop which in turn would encourage other wildlife.

Day lighting some or all of the culverted section at South Moor Road and the playing fields would be complex due to the land use 68

Image 44: Woodland and access in Reach A

and ownership of the land above the course of the burn. However it would assist flood alleviation and provide the opportunity for a large whole-scale project including wetlands, planting and new access opportunities.

Daylighting part of the culvert at Kate’s Gill (upstream of the road) maybe possible, although it is likely that much of the culvert will need to remain, in which case modifications to the culvert to allow fish to pass freely into and out of the tributary could be implemented.

Anti-fly tipping campaigns would be useful in all of the woodland locations along this reach. This would not only improve the overall aesthetic but also remove any danger such wastes pose to wildlife, particularly birds and mammals.

4.8.2 Reach B Selective felling of conifers adjacent to the watercourse at Grange Plantation to add light on to the corridor should be considered.

This would improve the biodiversity adjacent the burn by allowing a more diverse understorey of vegetation to develop, but also make the footpath network more appealing.

The concrete base, sides and Cascading Weir at Newbridge Banks of the watercourse should be removed where possible to re-create a watercourse that appears more natural. A fish pass should be included in any plans for development to the cascading weir, including any potential Hydro-electric scheme. Chapters 3 and 7 address this in more detail.

Opportunities for some wetland areas may exist in the Bottoms and these should be explored further as these may assist in alleviating incidence of flooding downstream. The effects of selective planting of native reedbeds and other aquatic plants in these areas would be threefold; providing storage space for flood water in high flow; providing filtration of harmful pollutants; and providing ecosystem enhancements and encouraging biodiversity including wading birds and invertebrates.

4.8.3 Reach C Opening up views to the Chester Burn from the B6313 by selected felling of trees close to the watercourse would allow more light and be beneficial to the ecosystem by allowing a more diverse understorey to develop. It would also raise the visibility and thus profile of the burn.

Image 45: Footpaths and biodiversity within Reach A

The creation of wetland areas in the reach upstream of the viaduct would be difficult due to land ownership however it may be possible to create some small areas that would be beneficial to alleviate incidences of flooding downstream. The open spaces on both sides of the Chester Burn after the culverted section could be utilised as wetland storage areas that would be helpful to store flood water, filter pollutants and increase biodiversity. Further biodiversity could be added with the addition of appropriate tree and shrub planting in these areas.

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BIODIVERSITY & LANDSCAPE SUMMARY

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

The catchment is primarily rural



The Twizell Burn and Cong Burn flow through National Character Areas 14 (Tyne and Wear Lowlands) and 16 (Durham Coalfield Pennine Fringe)



The land use varies from upland grazing to mixed arable farming



Within the catchment there are 12 BAP priority habitats and a number of priority species within the study area, including Brown Trout, Great Crested Newt, Otter, Dingy Skipper and Badger.



Within the study area there are 2 designated LNRs at Chapman’s Well and South Stanley Woods



There is a Site of Specific Scientific Interest at Greencroft and Langley Moor



There is an isolated population of Brown Trout at Kate’s Gill that show visible signs of becoming a distinct population (being predominantly dark in colour opposed to the usual mottled colour with darker spots).



There are a number of issues regarding land use and biodiversity, chiefly water quality and management of the riparian habitat.



Opportunities exist to improve management of the extensive allotment network in the catchment and to run education campaigns



The catchment would benefit from a programme to eradicate invasive species (Giant Hogweed, Japanese Knotweed and Himalayan Balsam) and to raise community awareness so that new sightings are promptly reported.



There are a large number of opportunities that would enhance biodiversity, wildlife linkages and landscape quality in the study area, such as felling of non-native species to encourage a more diverse understorey of vegetation. Many of these opportunities tie in with those identified in other chapters and are all addressed in more detail in Chapter 9.

Image 46: Twizell Burn Reflections

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± Scale: 1:26,000

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± Scale: 1:26,000

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75

Image 47: Alma Woods access near Grange Villa

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5. Access and recreation 5.1 Characteristics and Issues The study area is within a rural catchment and public open space is plentiful, however many of these areas suffer from issues such as lack of maintenance and antisocial behaviour.

While the study area is predominantly rural and both Stanley and Chester-le-Street are comparatively small conurbations with several areas of amenity green space, the quality of a number of these areas is poor, with many being run down, under-used and there is also scope to improve linkages between different areas.

Amenity green space should be visually diverse and welcoming, offering a wide range of services such as sports and play facilities, as well as opportunities to experience wildlife and to interact with the surrounding natural environment.

Many of the woodlands have previously been improved by a range of projects, interpretation boards, sculpture, bridges and other access features, particularly in Stanley (Reach A) and below the Middles/Craghead (Reaches A and B), where community groups and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) such as the Friends of Stanley Wood, Groundwork and Community Forest have been active for a number of years.

However many of these improvements are ageing and could do with replacing mainly due to vandalism, for example the signage and interpretation has been vandalised from South Moor Memorial Park in Stanley, all the way downstream. (insert photos). There is a conspicuous lack of any picnic area facilities along the burn, likely due to the prevalence of antisocial behaviour.

The majority of the sites within the catchment, such as South Moor Memorial Park (Reach A) and Riverside Park (Reach C) are well maintained and provide excellent amenity green space.

However, a number of the sites, such as large areas of the woodland and the heath/reed beds at Chapman’s well suffer from a lack of maintenance. The woodlands from Stanley downstream suffer varying degrees of antisocial behaviour and vandalism. These issues are discussed further in the below sections.

Largely due to the legacy of the mining industry and the nature of the settlements that grew up around it, there are a large proportion of allotment sites across the area. There are 21 allotment sites in the Twizell catchment alone, providing a significant amount of recreational space for the local people. The allotment sites, which are managed by Durham County Council, are generally well used.

There are a number of public transport links between Stanley and Chester-le-Street, the surrounding villages and larger 77

conurbations Sunderland.

of

Newcastle,

Gateshead,

Durham

and

Rights of way and cycle networks around Twizell Burn provide connectivity to local open spaces and the wider countryside. Part of the Coast to Coast Cycle Way (National Route 7) skirts Reaches B and C. Local Transport Plans and Rights of Way Improvement Plans detail the priorities for improvements to the networks particularly relating to gaps in the network, together with issues of quality and awareness raising. The demands and needs of particular users e.g. people with disabilities, cyclists and horse riders need to be better understood and incorporated into future strategy development including local transport plans, rights of way improvement plans, parks and open spaces/leisure strategies, and future revisions of this GI strategy.

Access to the burn itself is plentiful, there are a number of footpaths along the length of the main channel, many of which are formalised and interlinked. However the condition of these footpaths varies and in many locations informal footpaths are in place. Because of the steep sided nature of the river bank many access ways include steps, thus making disabled access to most locations problematic. Many of the paths are also bare ground or have not been maintained resulting in water-logging and further deterioration of the access.

Anti-social behaviour is one of the key issues facing access and recreation within the amenity green space along the burn. Under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 the Community Safety Partnership (the Safe Durham Partnership) must have a strategy for reducing crime and disorder, substance misuse, behaviour adversely affecting the environment, anti-social behaviour (ASB) and reducing reoffending. The priorities of the Safe Durham Partnership include tackling anti-social behaviour and alcohol and substance misuse harm and reduction both of which are issues reported by the community and demonstrated by the prevalence of vandalism and littering along the burn corridor.

Access and recreation improvements were one of the largest areas of interest established at the community consultation exercise. Of the 39 people surveyed as part of the process, 89% reported they would like to see improvements to access and recreation, 94% said they would utilise improved access to the burn and surrounding areas and 61% said they would like to learn more about access and recreation. Of the 14 people who stated they would like to volunteer, 54% would like to get involved with practical access improvements and 23% would like to become a volunteer warden.

All amenity green space is detailed on map 5 and the following sections detail the access and recreation characteristics of each reach

5.1.1 Reach A At the source of the burn is Chapman’s Well Local Nature Reserve and Morrow Edge Heath, from a small notice board next to the area to the south of the Morrison Busty Depot there is very little information or maps in evidence on site. The whole area is 78

Image 48: Good access in Stanley Wood

criss-crossed with well used public and permissive footpaths and intrusive power lines. The area is a restored former coal mine, spoil heap and open cast mine and there are a number of conspicuous vents, pipes monitoring stations across the site.

South Moor Wood has had some investment over recent years with new footbridges with artist designed adornments and there are other sculptural elements within the wood. The wood appears well managed and there was very little evidence of litter or fly tipping. Interpretation boards in this area were intact and had not been vandalised, however they displayed signs of wear and tear. Well used footpaths are evident through the woodland from Quaking Houses and in a west-east direction following the course of the burn into South Moor Memorial Park which is a public park located at the eastern end of this reach. The park consists of a war memorial and numerous play facilities. The park is well managed and provides quality amenity green space for the local community. The burn is culverted from South Moor Memorial Park, land use above the culvert consists of South Moor Juniors AFC football pitches, other municipal football pitches and finally agricultural fields. The municipal pitches have rusted goals and there are feint lines but the ground appears to be subject to water logging and there is little evidence that they are used much.

The burn exits the culvert at Middles Wood where the course of the burn is very close to houses in South Stanley. A public footpath extends along the rear boundaries of these properties through Middles Wood along higher ground above the burn.

Signage and interpretation is worn and has experienced vandalism in Middles Wood. A number of small fly tipping sites and littering was observed in this area at the time of the walkover. A small tributary joins the main channel of the burn from a culvert under the B6313, this flows from South Moor Golf Course to the south west, through Kate’s Rigg. Fish passage from Kate’s Rigg is limited due to the culvert however fish are present upstream and this area is used by residents for fishing.

Image 49: Footbridge through Stanley Burn Wood

From the B6313 (Durham Road) there is access to South Stanley Nature Reserve and vehicular access to the Hussledown Sewage Works. A number of informal footpaths criss-cross through Stanley Wood and South Stanley Nature Reserve but there are two public footpaths one that follows the track starting at the B6313 before crossing Stanley Burn south of the sewage works and continues in a southerly direction to the east side of The Middles. Interpretation boards in this area also displayed signs of vandalism and there was evidence of litter, drug use and waste dumping all along this stretch of the burn.

Another footpath skirts the edge of South Stanley and continues south across Stanley Burn to The Middles. From the narrow footbridge that takes the public footpath across the burn and leads walkers to The Middles the valley sides become steep again. Approximately 500 metres from the footbridge is another 79

low narrow bridge that allows another public footpath to cross the burn.

This path starts at Craghead Lane and continues northwards eventually reaching West Pelton.

Key amenity green space sites in this reach are:      

Chapman's Well LNR South Moor Wood South Moor Memorial Park Middles Wood South Stanley Nature Reserve/Stanley Wood South Moor Golf Course & Kate’s Gill

There are 9 allotment sites in the Stanley area, these are:         

Stanley Bloemfontein Quaking houses Quaking houses Forth street Quaking houses second street North Gardens South Moor Allotments South Moor Oliver Street South Court Kate’s Rigg

5.1.2 Reach B A number of conspicuous informal footpaths are present in Twizell Wood on the north side of the burn to the north of Craghead, however none of these are formalised. Fox and Parrot Wood which is located to the south of the burn corridor, is a Woodland Trust managed site, and is criss-crossed with footpaths that can be accessed from the B6313 at Craghead.

However there is no link to the Twizell Woods from the west side, where the valley is steep. There is access to the woods and burn from the east side of Fox and Parrot Wood which joins a pathway on the north side of the burn that continues to Newbridge Banks where the road crosses the burn over the cascading weir. The same (albeit informal) pathway can be followed back east-west on the north side of the burn to join the paths that lead to Craghead Lane and The Middles. At Newbridge Banks and the cascading weir, Grange Plantation can be accessed by crossing the road. A few footpaths cross this area; one in a north-south direction; the Tyne Wear Trail; one adjacent B6313 Bluehouse Bank to the south of Twizell Plantation and one that follows Twizell Burn. An informal footpath follows near to the burn threading between stands of trees.

A bridleway crosses the burn and links Grange Terrace with Newfield along a steep switch back section of path. Between this footpath and another public footpath that crosses the burn further downstream and links Whitehill to Pelton Fell the valley sides become steep with dense vegetation.

To the south of the burn was the site of Pelton Colliery (1835 to 80

Image 50: Footpath and steps in Stanley Burn Wood

1965) and spoil heaps and these areas above the steeper valley slopes are accessible as part informal/part formal park managed

by Durham County Council.

Public access to the areas adjacent the Twizell Burn is limited at the southern end of this area due to riparian land being in private ownership. The narrow strip of land on the north bank between Twizell Burn and Burnt House Bank and Fell Road accommodates allotments, haulage premises, car dealers and other industrial units and there is evidence of pollution and fly tipping along the steep bankside at the rear of these premises.

Part of the Coast to Coast Cycle way (National Route 7) runs through the eastern side of the catchment, north of Pelton, Stella Gill and Chester-le-Street, which also links to some un-titled local routes which link the many small settlements in the area.

Image 51: Existing informal path network through Stanley Woods

Key amenity green space sites in this reach are:  Twizell Wood  Fox and Parrot Wood  Grange Plantation  Pelton Colliery Wood/Park  Coast to Coast Cycle Way There are 8 allotment sites in the rural mid-section, these are:        

Craghead Providence Terrace Craghead Poultry Craghead Allotments Craghead, The Middles Low Ousterley Craghead Fawcett Hill and Ousterley Terrace Craghead Fawcett Hill and Edwards Street Craghead Lambton Terrace Pelton Fell Village

5.1.3 Reach C The Chester Burn follows a meandering course from Pelton Fell to the Chester Burn Viaduct that carries the East Coast railway line. The burn is canalised before the culvert and is not visible from the footpath. It is bridged three times by the B6313 which itself winds into Chester-Le-Street and has a tarmaced pavement for pedestrians. Just before the viaduct the watercourse is culverted for 500 metres emerging 300 metres from the confluence with the River Wear.

Downstream of the culvert exit, the burn is contained within a concrete channel until the A167 bridge. Flood alleviation walls and banks are prominent in this area. A discreet footpath link at the side of the burn links under the A167 bridge to the Riverside Park Area. From the bridge, Chester Burn flows in a deeper channel into Riverside Park with the sewage works located immediately to the north. Riverside Park is a pleasant public open space consisting mainly of amenity grassland and with a footpath network that continues both north and south along the River Wear.

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Key amenity green space sites in this area are:  Riverside Park There are 4 allotment sites in the Chester-le-Street, these are:  Stella Gill  Chester-le-Street Appledore Garden  Chester-le Street Spa Cottage Allotments  Chester-le-Street Newcastle Bank

5.2 Opportunities Sustainable travel should be considered along with any access and recreation developments. There are a number of national, regional and local transport policies, supporting the use of sustainable travel plans that should be read in conjunction with this report in order to reduce car travel and encourage sustainable forms of travel. These include:      

The Future of Transport White Paper; Planning and Policy Guidance 1: Sustainable Development; Planning and Policy Guidance 13: Transport; Regional Spatial Strategy for the North East; Local Transport Plan 3 (LTP3) County Durham Green Infrastructure Strategy. 2012.

Image 5: Alma Woods

The County Durham LTP3 sets out both a transport strategy and delivery plan for a 10 year period, including 6 main goals as follows:      

A stronger economy through regeneration Reduced carbon output Safer and healthier travel Better accessibility to services to improve quality of life A healthy natural environment and to; maintain the transport asset.

Setting the policy context and giving consideration to other relevant policy documents gives the access opportunities identified below the best chance of delivery by lending weight to funding bids and identifying potential opportunities for partnership working.

The following policies and plans should also be considered regarding access improvements:   

Planning Policy Guidance Note 17 (PPG17): Planning for Open space, Sport and Recreation Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 2005 Paths for People – Rights of Way Improvement Plan for County Durham (ROWIP2)

Much of the land immediately adjacent to the burn is owned by Durham County Council. The Paths for People (ROWIP2) is a vital mechanism for delivering on LTP3 objectives and the plan’s shared aims. In particular, walking and cycling are identified as a common intervention benefiting all 6 LTP3 goals. ROWIP2 achieve these objectives through providing or improving walking and cycling routes/facilities and prioritising management of Public Rights of Way (PROW) in/around major settlements and 82

key routes8 .

The County Durham Local Access Forum who are a statutory body, made up of experts that advise the council on land access issues, should also be consulted with regards to access improvements.

There are several opportunities to provide access and recreation improvements in and around the burn. Existing rights of way and cycle routes have the potential to link to local open spaces and the wider catchments of both the Twizell and Cong Burn. The main opportunity is the improvement of footpaths, interpretation and the possible introduction of picnic areas, along the woodland network. There are a number of informal paths, which could be formalised and linked to the existing footpath network. Local Transport Plans and Rights of Way Improvement Plans detail the priorities for improvements to the networks. The demands for needs of particular users, e.g. people with disabilities, cyclists and horse riders need to be incorporated into future strategy development.

As discussed in previous chapters, there is the potential to develop a large scale partnership programme (the Greening Twizell Partnership) of projects using the varying range of expertise of the partnership group to bring together and deliver on a wide range of GI projects. A heritage trail and woodland ranger post could be developed as part of this. As it is possible to walk almost the entire length of the burn at present, (with the exception of a few culverted stretches and a small amount of private land) the existing footpaths, and informal footpaths could all be linked together via a heritage trail which could form a large part of the Greening Twizell Partnership.

Access and recreation opportunities could be completed as individual projects or as part of the Greening Twizell Partnership All opportunities are discussed further in Chapter 9.

5.2.1 Reach A Access to Chapman’s Well and along the Burn Corridor to Quaking houses could be improved, informal paths criss-cross this area and these could be formalised and directional signage could be installed, especially at the circular footpath at Langley Moor Plantation.

Deculverting of the 50m stretch at Quaking Houses could further enhance both the biodiversity (aquatic and riparian) and amenity value of the area, interpretation of the ecological and historical features of the area could also be included here.

Image 53: River channel and footpath through Alma Woods

More information and interpretation could be installed at Chapman’s Well in order to educate visitors about the biodiversity of the area, including the presence of the Dingy Skipper, a rare butterfly. Interpretation could also address the rich industrial history of the site.

Interpretation throughout South Moor Wood, Middles Wood, Stanley Wood and South Stanley Nature Reserve could be updated and vandal-proofed.

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Fly tipping in these areas could be addressed by linking to existing local authority fly tipping initiative or as part of a wider ranger post.

5.2.2 Reach B Interpretation of the Twizell Burn Drift Mine and directional signage could be improved along with additional footpaths to create circular walks through the woodland alongside the burn and connecting to Fox and Parrot Wood and the Tyne and Wear Trail. There are accessible areas of the woodland sufficiently far away from residential properties that picnic tables could be considered.

A new footpath link approximately 500 metres long, formalising existing informal routes, could be created on the north bank of the burn and this would help link communities along the valley and provide a circular walk from The Middles to Craghead.

Interpretation information could also be incorporated here.

5.2.3 Reach C Re-naturalising some of the channel may be possible in this area, depending on the constraints of the flood alleviation scheme (discussed further in chapters 3 and 4).

The main opportunities in this reach are Chester-le-Street and its links to the Greening Twizell Partnership, more specifically a heritage walk, which could include much of the Chester-le-Street Conservation Area, with special attention paid to, and interpretation placed on the buildings and sites of specific historical interest, such as the Roman fort, railway viaduct and churches (see Chapter 6 for more information).

Image 54: Benches in Reach B

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ACCESS AND RECREATION SUMMARY 

There are a number of national, regional and local policies driving development of access and recreation.

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There are a variety of amenity green space sites in the catchment from well managed parks to woodland trails, fishing areas and allotments.

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There are 12 existing key sites of amenity green space in the study area.

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There are 21 allotment sites in the catchment, most of these are in Reaches A and B.

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Many of the woodland areas mainly in Reach A and some in reach B have been previously developed and have interpretation information in place, much of which is in a state of disrepair.

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Antisocial behaviour is a key issue in the catchment but this is a priority for reduction under the Safe Durham Partnership.

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Access and recreation was one of the area’s most of interest to the local communities with 94% of those surveys stating that they would utilise improved access to the burn and surrounding areas.

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There are many opportunities to improve access and recreation in the area, in particular via the proposed Greening Twizell Partnership , subject to funding and ongoing maintenance costs

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There are opportunities to deliver improvements through S106 associated with current and proposed housing generation work (Middles & New Kyo). Durham County Council are a significant partner of the proposed Greening Twizell Partnership and this represents a clear opportunity for funding.

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Image 55: Historical infrastructure in the Twizell habitat in Reach A

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6. History and cultural heritage 6.1 Characteristics Both the Durham Coalfield Pennine fringe and the Tyne and Wear Lowlands have been continually inhabited for millennia, with tree-felling and expansion of agriculture since the bronze and iron ages4,5. Because of the strategic location of the area, there was a great deal of Roman activity in the area, including the construction of forts, one of which remains at Chester-leStreet.

The Anglo-Saxon period under the kingdom of Northumbria saw the development of small villages with the distribution of different farming types roughly similar to how it remains today – grazing of sheep in the uplands and mixed and arable agriculture in the lowlands to the east. Chester-le-Street was of large Christian importance, founded by the Lindisfarne Monks. The Prince Bishops of Durham held substantial estates which included deer parks and coal mining. Coal mining was the main industry in the area until the 1980s and has had a significant impact both pre and post closure of the mines.

Of the 39 people surveyed as part of the community consultation exercise, 49% reported they would like to see improvements to culture and heritage, 52% said they would utilise improvements to interpretation information around history and culture sites and 67% said they would like to learn more about history and culture.

6.1.1 Coal Mining Coal mining in the area can be tracked back to as early as the 12th century4,5 and the legacy of coal mining has had a significant impact of the area, especially in the study area.

Coal mining expanded in the 16th century and coal was exported to the South and into Europe. Waggonways and later railways were developed to transport the coal. Many towns and villages, with their characteristic brick and slate terraces, including Stanley, grew up around the coal and subsequent Steel works.

Large numbers of country houses were also built within their own designated parkland in the 18th and 19th century4,5 demonstrating the industrial prosperity in the area.

The coal and steel industries declined in the area from the 1930s and both industries in the area were essentially defunct by the 1980s and much of the supporting infrastructure was lost , including closure of many of the local railway lines.

Despite the absence of the coal industry in the are at present, mining is still very much a part of the local culture and identity, 89

many of the settlements still have a marching band who participate in the Annual Durham Miners Gala. Allotments are also a frequent sight in the area, many of which were owned previously by the National Coal Board.

Much work has been done in the area to reclaim and reuse old mining sites for agriculture or amenity, this is evident in the study area, including several areas around Stanley, Craghead and Grange Villa.

Historical and heritage sites of interest, including mining sites, throughout the catchment are detailed on map 6. The following are the main historical colliery sites:      

Morrison Busty Colliery West Stanley Colliery Stanley, Craghead or Holmside Colliery Stanley Hedley Colliery East Stanley Colliery Pelton Colliery

6.1.2 Roman Heritage Because of the strategic location of the area this gave rise to the construction of several Roman Forts, one of these still remains at Chester-le-Street. Concangium Roman Fort largely lies beneath what is now Park View Comprehensive School and the Church of St Mary and St Cuthbert in the centre of the town (see map 6). Watling Street in the town is also a Roman Road.

6.1.3 Chester Le Street Conservation Area Much of the centre of Chester-le-Street, including a substantial section along the study area is now a designated conservation area, the area was designated in 2013 because: 

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The significant Roman Archaeology associated with the early roman occupation of the area and development of the fort with associated settlement The Christian importance of the settlement, with the town including a cathedral and important relics in the AngloSaxon period, and being the site of the first translation of the Latin Gospels into Old English.

The prominence of significant listed structures, the Church of St Mary and St Cuthbert (Grade I Listed) and the viaduct over the Chester Burn (Grade II Listed).

Important open spaces that run into the town centre from both the west and east14.

6.1.4 Listed Buildings Aside from the Church of St Mary and St Cuthbert and the Viaduct as mentioned in the above section, there are some 18 further Grade II listed sites (see map 6) within the Twizell and Cong Burn catchments, these are:    90

United Reformed Church, Chester-le-Street (Low Chare) Queens Head Hotel Chester-le-Street (Front St) Brewery House at the market place Chester-le-Street

Image 56: Artificial channelling at the site of a closed brick works west of Newbridge Banks

              

Pelton House, east of Station Lane, Pelton Church of the Holy Trinity, Pelton, north side of front st Newfield Farmstead at Newfield Farm, Newfield Pair of Farm Labourers Cottages At Newfield Farm, Newfield Church of St Paul at West Pelton West Edmondsley Farm House, Holmside, approx. 75m east of Wardles Burn and 280m south of Cong burn – Beech Grove Farmhouse, adjacent to Beechgrove Wood (Little Burn/Cong) Little Holmside, Holmside Hall, east of Holmside Hall Road Barn to north east of Holmside hall farmhouse Holmside hall farm calf shed and wall attached Holmside hall farmhouse with wall attached War Memorial at Craghead Middles Farmhouse South of TB at Holy Hill Former Miners Hall and Institute at South Moor Church of St George at South Moor

6.1.5 Historical Landfill Sites In addition to the industrial heritage from the previous mining and steel working industries, there are a number of landfill sites, many of which opened prior to the introduction of many important pieces of environmental legislation such as the 1972 Deposit of Poisonous wastes act and the 1999 Landfill Directive.

There are (or have been) some 21 recorded landfill sites in the catchments (see Map 6), these are:                    

No Place Tip, No Place Land West of Stanley, between New Kyo and South Moor New Kyo, New Kyo Handenhold Waste Disposal Site (closed 1979), north of Grange Villa Area D South of Quaking Houses North of Wagtail Lane Area D West of Grange Villa Area A, South of No Place Area B East Farm Edmondsley Hett Hills Waste Disposal Site, Hett Hills (closed 1992) Pelton Grange Farm (closed 1994) Holmside Tip, Holmside (closed 1985) Burnhope Waste Disposal Site, East of Burnhope (closed 1977) Twizell Hall Farm Area F South of High Handenhold, West Pelton/High Handenhold Area E, West of West Pelton Land South of Newfield Area E HolyHill Area C, South of Grange Villa Pelton Fell Brick Works Quarry, Pelton Fell

6.1.6 19th Century Railway There is a section of disused railway in the study area, reflecting the former infrastructure needed in support of the coal and steel industries. The railway runs roughly parallel to the Twizell Burn from the north of Stanley until Pelton Fell. Disused railways 91

have great amenity value as footpaths and bridleways, as well historic and biological interest. They often demonstrate successional ecosystems which are of scientific interest and educational value. Old stations, viaducts and workings sites can also be viewed, these could be linked with a wider heritage trail as discussed below and in chapter 9. Because of the railway’s proximity to Tanfield Railway and the Causey Arch in the west and the listed viaduct at Chester-le-Street in the east herein provides an opportunity to link with other heritage sites outside of the immediate study area/catchment.

6.1.7 South Moor Memorial Park There is a first world war memorial in South Moor Memorial Park, Stanley, which was named for the structure. The park is well maintained throughout by the Town Council but the burn itself has been artificially canalised from the entrance to the park from the adjacent woodland to the culvert under newacres road and playing fields opposite the park. The park and the canalisation are discussed further in chapters 2 and 5.

Image 57: Chapman’s Well at the site of a closed colliery

6.2 Issues 6.2.1 Contaminated Land and Leachate Contaminated land from old mines, industrial workings and land fill sites is a largely unquantified issue along the study area.

There are a number of old mine workings and landfill sites in the vicinity that drain directly into the burn. Run off from the historical workings in areas of the study area is visually evident, with iron ochres (see image 65) visible in several areas, especially Stanley Woods and in addition less visible but more harmful heavy metals such as lead and zinc are often present in effluent from mine workings.

There are also 21 landfill sites in the catchment. Leachate from landfill can contain harmful substances, especially from older landfills, where a membrane was not installed, allowing leachate to permeate freely into surrounding soils and groundwater.

Leachate from landfill sites can include dissolved organic matter, sulphate, chloride, iron, aluminium, zinc, ammonia, heavy metals and halogenated hydrocarbons such as PCBs and dioxins. Many of these substances can cause harmful environmental and health effects. Water quality issues are discussed more widely in Chapter 2.

6.2.2 Development Pressure While the majority of the catchment is rural and the largest conurbations are the comparatively small towns of Stanley and Chester-le-Street, development pressure, especially for new housing is both an issue and an opportunity when planning for Green Infrastructure. There are some 31,400 new houses Image 58 Iron Ochre leachate in to Twizell Burn

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proposed to be built by 2030 as proposed in the County Durham Plan9 which is currently being reviewed. 6 sites for development are currently planned within the catchment and a number of developments are also currently being constructed.

There is a huge opportunity to incorporate GI within new development, primarily recreation and sustainable urban drainage, but these GI measures must be implemented sensitively and linked with the existing infrastructure and green corridors in an appropriate and sustainable way.

6.2.3 Historic Modifications to the Channel Historic modifications to the burn as a result of historical industry have had significant implications for the channel and riparian habitat. The burn in the lower reaches has suffered large scale straightening away from its original course; the burn is directed through a number of weirs along the engineered channel including a large, heavily engineered cascading weir at Newbridge Banks.

Modifications to the channel are discussed in more depth in Chapter 3.

6.3 Opportunities

Image 59: Gas monitoring station near Chapmen’s Well from historic mine workings and landfill

Many of the historical and cultural assets are underdeveloped with little interpretation and poor accessibility, these aspects could be developed and improved as part of a wider heritage and environmental project encompassing not only the immediate study area but the catchments as a whole.

There is opportunity to develop a large scale heritage trail in the area as part of the wider opportunity to develop a catchment wide programme of projects via the existing partnership group. Development of a heritage trail would involve a comprehensive study of the historical and cultural assets within both the Twizell and Cong Catchments as well as well as access and recreation (Chapter 5) and land use & biodiversity (Chapter 4).

A smaller heritage trail is proposed in the South Moor area which could extend in to the headwaters near Chapmen’s Well. The proposed route is designed to recognise the links between the industrial history of the area, sacrifices made during World War One, stimulate increased footfall and improve knowledge about local heritage. This could act to stimulate a wider trail as mentioned above. More information can be found in Appendix 4 Opportunities to improve the historical and cultural areas within the catchment, including a summary of project suggestions and potential funders are included in Chapter 9 of this report.

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HISTORY & CULTURAL HERITAGE SUMMARY

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The area has been inhabited since the Neolithic period

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Chester-le-Street developed around a Roman fort and later a church

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Farming developed and has retained an east-west split of upland grazing and mixed arable

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Coal mining in the area can be traced as far back as the 12 th century

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There are a number of historical mining and associated industrial sites in the catchment

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Stanley and its surrounds, with its characteristic brick and slate terraced houses grew up around the coal mining industry

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Coal mining and associated steel works have had a huge impact on not only the landscape but the culture and identity of the local people. Participation in the Durham Miners Gala and prevalence of allotments in the area demonstrate this.

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There are 20 listed buildings in both of the catchments

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Chester-le-Street town centre was designated a Conservation Area in 2013

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There are 21 landfill sites (both current and historic) in the catchment area

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Issues include, contaminated land and leachate, development pressure, historic modifications and lack of infrastructure surrounding areas of historical and cultural interest.

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Opportunities exist to use the area’s heritage to improve the natural and built environment as well as engage communities.

Image 60: Iron Ochre leachate in to Twizell Burn

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Image 61: Cascading Weir south of Grange Villa (Newbridge Banks)

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7. Energy Generation 7.1 Overview A suite of national and European government legislation and policies have been introduced in the past 10 years, helping to shape and influence policy decisions regarding climate change, sustainability and energy generation. Policies include:  EU Renewable Energy Directive;  Climate Change Act 2008;  The UK Renewable Energy Strategy;  The UK Renewable Energy Roadmap;  Strategic Energy Technology Plan;  Planning our electric future: a White Paper for secure, affordable and low carbon electricity;  The Carbon Plan ‘Delivering our low carbon future December 2011’.

In addition, a number of regional and County Durham wide strategies have been developed, including:  The EU Mayors Covenant;  The County Durham Low Carbon Strategy and Sustainable Energy Action Plan (2010);  The County Durham Plan ‘Towards a Strategy for Low Carbon Energy in County (2011);  Sustainable Community Strategy for County Durham 2010 – 2030 and Council Plan 2011-14;  County Durham Core Evidence Base - Technical Paper No. 13: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.

The Environment and Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Durham County Council) published the Development of Renewable Energy Technologies in County Durham Scrutiny Review in 201210. The Review built upon the above regional and County Durham wide strategies, supporting the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and increasing the amount of renewable energy infrastructure in use to generate energy.

Furthermore, the Review notes that County Durham has an opportunity to enhance the range of energy generation technologies used in order to move away from reliance on fossil fuel based energy generation.

Government schemes such as Feed-in-Tariffs (FITs), the Renewable Heat Incentive and the Green Deal are designed to promote the uptake and installation of small scale low carbon and renewable energy technologies.

7.2 Constraints At present little energy generation infrastructure was observed within the catchment during the walkovers, especially in the immediate river corridor of the study area. Constraints to energy generation in the immediate Twizell Burn corridor may be due to:

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Financial restrictions: costs involved for larger scale schemes may have proved prohibitive;

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Building stock: The building stock and levels of insulation may influence the suitability of some heat-generating technologies, as will building and roof orientation, with shading and access limiting the suitability of solar technologies; Lack of knowledge: residents, landlords and local land owners may not be sufficiently aware of potential energy generation schemes and potential costs, how they can be installed and used and what the benefits are; Lack of technical expertise or experience: stakeholders and applicants may not be aware of local, regional and national policies and how to access funds; Limited application guidance: - a lack of available advice and guidance can deter potential applicants and investors from pursuing opportunities; Lack of deliverable local skills / experience of installation; skills gaps may exist that could prove to be prohibitive to driving infrastructure projects forward via local support and project management of energy generation schemes; Environmental impact: environmental and heritage features may choose to be preserved at the cost of new energy generation schemes, though it is noted that any such projects should include costs to manage and re-naturalise any land impacted.

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The Durham County Council Interim Sustainability Appraisal Report (2011) relating to the Core Strategy Policy Directions Consultation Paper forms part of the Core Strategy Policy Directions Interim Sustainability Appraisal Report (“The Report”) 11 . The Report notes that many constraints, particularly in relation to non-domestic and wind installations, are due to environmental impacts and wishing to avoid negative impacts on local environments and wider access & infrastructure disruption.

7.2.1 Reach A The Twizell Burn itself is very shallow, narrow and with a very low flow rate throughout this Reach, which indicates that any source of hydro-electric energy generation would not be possible. Access to woodland for biomass development and management was also restricted in many areas, with access via footpaths only. Many buildings would appear to be suitable for building mounted solar and heat-pump technologies, but would need assessing on a building by building basis.

7.2.2 Reach B Upstream of Newbridge Banks / Grange Villa, the flow rate is relatively slow, owing mainly to long profile gradient topography.

Channel modifications and impounding weirs also impact on flow rate. Low flow would prove prohibitive to hydro-electric production schemes. However, the cascading weir and channel 100

Image 62: Cascading Weir south of Grange Villa

modifications west of Newbridge Banks may offer an opportunity for energy generation.

It was noted by the Development of Renewable Energy Technologies in County Durham Scrutiny Review that in 2010, only 7 sites on the River Wear catchment as a whole were deemed viable sites for potential hydro-electric power generation, with a combined cost of nearly ÂŁ5.5m. Financial support for hydro-electric schemes is therefore clearly a major constraint. At the time of publication in 2012 it was noted that only one hydro-electric installer within County Durham is Microgeneration Certificate Scheme (MCS) registered; registration is required to ensure that technology would be eligible to access Feed In Tariff benefits.

Elsewhere in this Reach, similar constraints are experienced for land and woodland management for biomass production. Many buildings appeared to be suitable for building mounted technologies, again with buildings needing to be further assessed individually.

7.2.3 Reach C Whilst the flow rate and width of Twizell Burn generally has increased throughout Reach C, there were no noticeable opportunities for in-channel energy generation schemes as the flow rates and river channel characteristics were still prohibitive to energy generation. Additionally, due to difficult access and culverted/bridged sections of this Reach, physical infrastructure barriers appear to be significant constraints of energy production opportunities. In the wider reach, buildings appear to be suitable, though again need further feasibility work.

7.3 Opportunities Overall, one key opportunity was identified in Reach B, with general opportunities available elsewhere, dependant on more detailed feasibility studies, associated projects and calculations.

Energy generation opportunities could be completed as individual projects or as part of the Greening Twizell Partnership.

All opportunities are discussed further in Chapter 9.

7.3.1 Reach A Image 63: Existing informal path network through Stanley Woods and slow flow rate

No key opportunities were identified in the channel itself in this reach, though opportunities exist in the wider Reach for building mounted solar and heat-pump technologies, this could tie in with existing Durham County Council/housing association schemes such as the implementation of solar photovoltaic generation at Quaking Houses. Durham County Council would be ideally placed to incorporate such schemes within their first and second study areas for the South Moor Surface Water Management 101

Scheme or areas of previous generation, such as Craghead.

There is also an opportunity to improve access to woodland and other green spaces, and to utilise improved management in these areas to grow biomass fuel which could be used to provide a local fuel source for biomass boilers within local communities.

7.3.2 Reach B One key opportunity was identified for in-channel energy generation, notably located at the current cascading weir (a heavily engineered impoundment structure) immediately east of Newbridge Banks, south of Grange Villa, where there is a significant head and flow of water with a sudden drop of approximately 20m over a 145m stretch.

This stretch of the Twizell Burn has been heavily modified and artificially channelled due to a combination of historical mining activities and brick works, and later the re-development of land following the removal of the railway viaduct that once crossed Twizell Burn east of Newbridge Banks.

There is a significant head of water falling via the cascading weir at Newbridge Banks which offers considerable gravitational potential energy in the watercourse which could be harnessed to turn a turbine to generate electricity. In addition, due to the difference in height either side of Newbridge Banks, the flow rate increases over this short section which could allow for a hydroelectric scheme to be developed at this location.

Hydro-electric power is recognised by The Environment and Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee as an under-utilised resource within County Durham, despite being a reliable and predictable source of energy. Furthermore, the County Durham Evidence Base, Technical Paper 1311, states that there is potential to increase hydroelectricity generation in County Durham, though factors such as the distance to electricity substations and potential impacts on bio and geodiversity need to be carefully considered.

Benefits of small scale hydro-electricity include:    

Slow rate of change: the output power varies only gradually from day to day (not from minute to minute); 24 hour generation i.e. operational at night unlike some renewable technologies; It is a long-lasting and robust technology; systems can readily be engineered to last for 50 years or more; Well-designed schemes can be environmentally benign; small scale hydro-electric installations, in most cases, “runof-river”; in other words any impoundment is quite small, often installed at an existing weir and little or no water is stored. 12

Hydro-electric generation schemes can directly benefit local communities by providing a supply of electricity. In the study area, Grange Villa (Reach B) is the closest community to the site 102

Image 64: Cascading Weir infrastructure

identified as potentially viable for a hydro-electric installation.

Engaging the local community could allow for greater buy-in and acceptance of any major infrastructure works, and potentially provide each household with the opportunity to use renewable energy and to reduce their energy bills.

An in-depth feasibility study and Environmental Impact Assessment would be required to assess the impact and benefits of a hydroelectric scheme on the Twizell Burn and communities.

A feasibility study should include a review of:  

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Northern Powergrid infrastructure and availability of resources to connect to the national grid; Flow rates from the Twizell Burn and data compiled by the Environment Agency’s hydrology department to determine capacity for power generation; Review of the original purpose and function of the existing cascading weir structure and to appreciate current maintenance requirements and costs; Review historical maps to trace the original river course, to consider whether the original course could be restored should diversion be required as part of the hydro scheme; Review past site surveys undertaken by the Environment Agency, in association with the River Restoration Centre in 2013; Opportunities to improve fish passage; Licencing requirements under the Water Framework Directive as informed by the Environment Agency for proposed works to modify the cascading weirs/develop hydro scheme.

Detailed costs benefit analysis to identify the financial and wider social return of investment, alongside potential funding sources.

It is noted that a hydro scheme project may have the potential to generate revenue to fund wider opportunities identified within other themes of this masterplan. The site could for example support wider schemes including bringing to life the industrial heritage of the area; felling of the conifer plantation and proposals for re-planting and improved access paths. All of which present opportunities for enhancing biodiversity (Chapter 4) and recreation (Chapter 5).

Image 65: Slow flow rate and shallow channel in Reach B

Other opportunities in this area are similar to those noted in Reach A, with building mounted technologies requiring case by case reviews, and opportunities to develop improved woodland management schemes to link in with biomass fuel production through the removal of plantations (non-native species) or growing crops like Willow and Misocanthus (Elephant Grass).

7.3.3 Reach C As per Reach A, the main opportunities identified would require additional studies on a case by case basis and centre around the 103

use of solar and heat pump technologies supporting individual buildings. Biomass boilers could be installed as well, though there are less areas suitable for woodland management and biomass fuel production as the Reach is mainly urbanised through Chester-le-Street. Durham County Council would be ideally placed to incorporate small scale renewables in line with any regeneration schemes of their housing stock in this area.

Image 66 Cascading Weir at Grange Villa (Newbridge Banks)

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ENERGY GENERATION SUMMARY 

European, National, Regional and Local policies exist to support energy generation in communities

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Many opportunities exist for small scale (domestic or single building) or community scale renewable and low-carbon technologies in the wider catchment;

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One significant hydro-electric opportunity is identified in the Twizell Burn, near to Grange Villa in Reach B.

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Opportunities to link existing and proposed land and woodland management schemes to biomass heating schemes, ideally within the catchment, or the wider region;

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Major energy generation schemes would require significant feasibility studies, funding and community support as well as environmental impact assessments;

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Opportunities exist to link energy generation projects with other proposed schemes, such as improved access, environmental and heritage interpretation, re-naturalisation of the water course and riparian habitat and land management. Larger projects could be developed to incorporate several options and draw down on multiple funding streams.

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Image 67: Cong Burn at Chester-Le-Street

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8. Cong Burn Overview The Cong Burn is outside of the study area for the purposes of the Green Infrastructure Plan, however the following chapter gives an outline of the characteristics, issues and opportunities of the burn from its source to the confluence with the Twizell at Chester-LeStreet.

8.1 Characteristics and Issues The Cong Burn rises in Burnhope and flows for 14.6km before its confluence with the Twizell at Chester-le-Street where it becomes Chester Burn, which is within the study area of this masterplan and is contained within the other chapters.

8.2 Water Quality Drainage from this catchment has the potential to affect the water quality and subsequent ecological condition of the water environment in the downstream study areas. This waterbody is not designated as artificial or heavily modified, and has poor ecological status according to the 2013 WFD classification. The following key element requires to be addressed in order to meet good ecological status: 

Biological quality: fish - (poor).

The Cong Burn has greatly improved in recent years, its overall status under the Water Framework Directive is Moderate. There have been several reports from the Environment Agency and local organisations that the fish population is showing signs of improving and Sea Trout have recently returned to the burn, and now have over 20 spawning sites.

In the catchment of the Cong Burn, there are 8 CSOs and approximately 9 farm steads, there were no distinct surface water drainage features or surface water discharges reported to be of concern.

A number of water quality issues were reported as part of the consultation exercise: 

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Major Iron Ochre has been observed flushing into burn from river bank downstream of Holmside, this is most likely due to historical mine workings in the area and whilst not toxic, other substances including heavy metals may be present in this run off.

Gulley suckers have previously been emptied into water course - concrete sluice upstream of railway 109

At Daisy Hill there is an opportunity to increase access and signage interpretation. Fish pass education/interpretation/ accessibility project. Improvement of riparian habitat. Physical modification to obstructions, creation of fish pass and there is potential for hydro power.

8.3 Surface Water Management The Cong Burn drains from a wider catchment area than the Twizell Burn and thus has a greater volume of water than the Twizell which inevitably contributes to the flooding issues downstream on the Chester Burn.

8.4 Landscape and Biodiversity The Cong Burn stretches across two Landscape Character Areas (LCAs) number 16 The Durham Coalfield Pennine Fringe and number 14 the Tyne and Wear lowlands. The characteristics of these LCAs are discussed in more detail in Chapter 6. As with the Twizell land use surrounding the Cong ranges from grazing in the west to mixed arable in the east.

Apart from Chester-le-Street, which is included study area, there are no major conurbations in Catchment. The burn flows through or past Burnhope, Edmondsley, Waldridge and Pelton confluence with the Twizell.

in the in-depth the Cong Burn the villages of Fell before its

There are a number of local wildlife sites and a designated nature reserve along the Cong Burn corridor. There are also a number of significant species, such as Badger setts which are present in several areas throughout the catchment. Notable species located in the catchment include:     

Otters 2 sites of Great crested newts 2 Badger Setts 4 sites of Dingy Skipper Butterflies A number of small BAP ponds and wetland mires

There are also a number of veteran trees within the catchment, these are:    

Beech, at Burnhope Pond 6 x Alder in Cong Burn Woods 7 x Ash at Cong Burn Woods 1 x Silver Birch at Cong Burn Woods

There are 2 Local Nature Reserves (LNRs) at Cong Burn Wood and Sacriston Wood and Waldridge Fell is a Special Site of Scientific Interest (SSSI). Waldridge fell is the largest area of lowland heath in County Durham and the only valley mire. There is potential for increased visitor pressure on Waldridge Fell and other 110

SSSIs as a result of new housing developments in the area.

A range of grassland heathland and woodland habitats are located throughout the catchment.

The Environment Agency and Chester-le-Street Angling club have recently altered a weir and culverts to allow for fish to move up and downstream more freely and as mentioned above, this has resulted in an increase in spawning sites for Sea Trout with more than 20 sites have now been identified.

Water quality in Cong Burn has improved immensely due to recent interventions. The WFD status has improved with fish now found upstream and trout are found at 3 times the previous levels in the past year. Further improvements to Cong Burn and the riparian habitat could contribute to improvement status and ensure the sustainability of past improvements. Appropriate responsibilities need to be assigned and maintenance regimes where applicable further improvements to burn and riparian habitat to contribute to improvement status and ensure sustainability of improvements

8.5 Access and recreation The Cong Burn Catchment is primarily rural so the areas of amenity green space are not subject to the levels of anti-social behaviour and vandalism as the Twizell Burn corridor. There are few conurbations in the catchment, the main ones being the villages of Burnhope and Edmondsley so there is less demand for amenity green space. The main areas of amenity green space are:      

Hag Wood Wardle’s Wood Mill Wood Edmondsley Wood Waldridge Fell/ Waldridge Country Park Edmondsley Garden Centre/Daisy Hill

Waldridge Fell in particular is a well-used amenity green space with a number of access routes and pathways including one allweather footpath for the disabled. The site can be accessed via Waldridge Road between Chester-le-Street and Edmondsley.

There are some opportunities for Waldridge Fell and Daisy Hill as outlined in the below opportunities section

8.6 History and Culture There are 14 sites identified by Durham County Council as important heritage features in the Cong Burn catchment these are: 

Whitehill Hall and Icehouse 111

            

Beech Grove farm house (Grade II listed) Tribley – medieval deserted settlement West Edmondsley farmhouse Barn To North East Of Holmside Hall Farmhouse (Grade II listed) Holmside Hall Farm Calf Shed And Wall Attached (Grade II Listed) Holmside Hall Farmhouse With Wall Attached (Grade II Listed) Little Holmside – House at Burnhope (Grade II listed) Garden of remembrance War Memorial – Burnhope Waldridge Village Hall Edmondsley bridge West Edmondsley Farmhouse (Grade II Listed) Roman Metal Working site at Waldridge Church of St John the Evangelist at Burnhope

8.7 Historic landfill Sites There are no former colliery sites that fall within the catchment boundaries however there are a number of landfill sites in the area, many of which opened prior to the introduction of many important pieces of environmental legislation such as the 1972 Deposit of Poisonous wastes act and the 1999 Landfill Directive: 

Hett Hills Waste Disposal Site



Burnhope Waste Disposal Site



Holmside Tip



Area B East Farm, Edmondsley



8.8 Energy Generation No specific sites for the generation of energy have been identified in detail on the Cong Burn. Consultation identified the potential for a small scheme and fish pass at Daisy Hill. There may be opportunities for small scale micro-hydro generation here or on the Burn but identifying these would require a more in depth feasibility study. There are catchment wide opportunities for biomass/land management and solar photovoltaic generation, Chapter 7 explores these opportunities in more detail.

8.9 Opportunities As discussed in previous chapters, there is the potential to develop a large scale partnership programme (the Greening Twizell Partnership) of projects using the varying range of expertise of the partnership group to bring together and deliver on a wide range of GI projects. This is particularly pertinent with regards to Waldridge Fell and Daisy Hill which could be linked in with a wider heritage trail, and include improvement of habitat and a fish pass and hydroelectric generation at Daisy Hill. Opportunities for a master planning exercise to look at how sites are accessed and to create new areas for recreation to disperse visitor pressure across a 112

number of sites. This is an issue that the Durham Heartland Heaths project has discussed as a potential next phase.

Potential investigation of the iron ochre leachate could tie in to a potential research project into quantifying the effects of mine run off on water quality.

The full range of opportunities are discussed in Chapter 9.

CONG BURN SUMMARY 

The Cong Burn from source to confluence with the Twizell is outside of the study area



The Cong Burn has a greater water shed than the Twizell and thus effects the water quality and surface water management (flooding) down stream



There are a number of veteran trees in the catchment



There are 4 BAP significant species and a number of BAP ponds in the area



There are 6 key areas of amenity green space in the catchment



Waldridge Fell is a well-used lowland health



There are 4 landfill sites in the catchment



There are 14 key sites of historical interest in the catchment



The key opportunity is tying in the amenity green space, in particular Waldridge Fell SSSI with the wider Greening Twizell Partnership.

113

± Scale: 1:20,000

114

115

± Scale: 1:20,000

116

117

Image 68: Twizell Burn in Twizell Wood

118

9. Opportunities A large number of opportunities to enhance and develop small scale or large scale Green Infrastructure improvements throughout the catchment have been identified. The opportunities in table 1 below have been identified through a combination of walkovers, partnership and community in-put, advice from landscape architects and the project board. It is recognised that the opportunities vary greatly in scale, cost and impact on the GI within the Twizell Burn catchment area and may not be feasible to act upon alone.

As such, a number of the proposed projects have been combined into seven key projects which have been identified as a high priority, details of these high priority projects can be found below in table 2.

One of these key projects is the Greening Twizell Partnership. This partnership will enable a collaborative approach to addressing need in the area by providing and accessing resources to develop the opportunities into deliverable schemes.

The Greening Twizell partnership would look to develop a cohesive programme of activities including watercourse improvements, flood alleviation measures, improved and new access, natural play facilities, woodland, wetland and habitat restoration. The area would also benefit from better signage and interpretation to enhance the educational and visitor experience, highlighting ecological, landscape features and historical sites. In addition, the projects all have scope to incorporate educational and community activities as well as the use of community volunteers which would further enhance the sense of ownership over the river corridor, improve awareness of the improvements being made and install a sense of pride within the community which could lead to supporting and maintaining the legacy of any work that is undertaken. The Greening Twizell Partnership will look to identify funding for the projects working in partnership with funders and other stakeholders.

An initial range of funding streams has been identified that could support Green infrastructure improvements, these include, but are not restricted to;          

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF); North East Local Enterprise Partnership (NELEP) The Big Lottery Fund; New Environmental Land Management Scheme/Country Stewardship Fund; Community Infrastructure Levy; European Regional Development Fund (ERDF); North Pennines Leader (EU Funding); Biffa Award; Area Action Partnerships (AAPs) and Community Chests; WFD Grant in Aid (Environment Agency); 119

   

Rural Community Energy Fund (DEFRA); Ashden Awards for Sustainable Energy; Catchment Partnership Approach Fund (CPAF) Charitable Trusts

Many other sources of funding are available too, including loans and grants as well as funds that support particular elements such as feasibility studies. Furthermore, financial benefits may include Feed-in-tariffs, Renewable Heat Incentives and possibly Enhanced Capital Allowances.

Outline costs for the schemes have been identified using recognised unit costs for the proposed projects. It has been agreed via the partnership that information will not be included within the GI masterplan as more detailed costing work will be required and that over time these costs will vary depending on scope and scale of the project.

All of the identified issues and opportunities are depicted on maps 9 through 12 at the end of this chapter. Table 2 below gives more information about the opportunities, whilst sections 9.1 to 9.7 details the higher priority projects as identified by the partnership.

120

121

NWL

HLF NELMs/ Countryside Stewardship





Chapman’s Well – Wetland areas could be extended and improved to act as efficient filter beds and storage areas to relieve incidence of flooding downstream. Further investigation of drainage run off is required as is monitoring to establish the causes of high levels of ammonia. Any improvements should look to improve habitats, access, signage and interpretation and also take into account the prevalence and exposed nature of some of the monitoring equipment on site

A1

O4

Solar Renewable Technologies - Solar Thermal and Solar PV could be implemented by Durham County Council/Housing associations in areas for regeneration Domestic and business education campaign surrounding domestic wrongconnections and disposal of fats, oils and greases (FOGs – domestic and business) to prevent blockages in drainage systems, drainage flooding or exaggerated use of CSO network

O3

Water quality improvements and flood alleviation Heritage interpretation and access improvements Woodland, wetland and habitat restoration Opportunities for community participation, engagement and volunteering  Supporting an annual Twizell Week of Action  Education programmes Further details included in table 3.

Biomass management for fuel across the woodland network linking into County Durham’s plans for biomass



Rural Community Energy Fund (DEFRA) Countryside Stewardship Leader NELEP Rural Community Energy Fund (DEFRA)



O2

HLF DCC Town Councils NELEP EA NWL ERDF/ESF Biffa County Durham Community Foundation



Greening Twizell Partnership – opportunity to link all or some of the projects detailed below as part of a co-ordinated approach to bring about various Green Infrastructure Measures. Key outputs from the partnership will include:

O1

   

Potential Funder

Benefits

Opportunity

Map reference

EA, DCC WT, NE, GWKNEC, WRT

NWL, EA, GWKNEC, DCC

DCC, Housing associations

DCC, Landowners

GWKNEC + all

Potential Partners (Possible lead in bold)

Key: = Water Quality = Surface Water Management = Biodiversity & Landscape = Access and Recreation = History & Culture = Energy Generation

Table 2: Green Infrastructure opportunities across the catchments:

H

M

L

M

H

Priority

122 CPAF

CPAF

CPAF

EA

EA

NWL

AAP, Stanley Town Council, Community Infrastructure Levy

HLF, DCC

NWL

DCC,

NWL

EA,

























Improve biodiversity with attenuation reed beds and selective planting.

Pollution prevention work to minimise the impact of Morrison Busty and improved maintenance of the natural environment and access.

Wetland Management/creation, coupled with measures to address the impact of contaminated land on the watercourse.

Daylighting and re-naturalisation of a 50m section of culvert at Quaking Houses, this could also tie in with improvements to the existing interpretation for the informal circular walk at Langley Moor Plantation

Ongoing Maintenance – improved maintenance and clearance of debris from debris grates within the Burn at Memorial Park.

Feasibility study required to assess possibility and benefits of renaturalisation of water course through Memorial Park and address issues with the existing CSO. Feasibility required to de-culvert and naturalise watercourse and create an attenuation wetland area on an area of currently unused sports pitches. This may be a complex issue due to the land use and ownership of the land above the course of the burn. However it would assist flood alleviation and provide the opportunity for a large whole-scale project including wetlands, planting and new access opportunities.

Installation of interpretation and way point markers at South Moor WW1 memorial and former colliery sites. This could link with any wider heritage trail and DCC proposals.

Potential to redesign CSO at Holly Hill Gardens

A2

A3

A4

A5

A6

A7

A9

Improving culvert, removing blockages and daylighting upstream to improve flow and allow fish to move freely at Kates Gill

A13

A12

Wider (Secondary) SWMP study area for SUDs. A number of other SUDs areas such as, Chapman’s Well (link to A1), Morrison Busty, South Moor Road, Memorial Park and playing fields (link to A8), Holly Hill, South Moor Greenland primary school could be considered Investigation into domestic misconnections accompanied by an awareness campaign to address the problem.

A11

A10

A8

Potential Funder

Benefits

Opportunity

Map reference

EA, WRT

NWL

DCC, Fairhurst

NWL

DCC, GWNEC

WRT, WT, NE, EA, GWNEC

WRT, WT, NE, EA, GWNEC, DCC

EA, DCC, WRT

EA, DCC, WRT, GWNEC

WRT, GWNEC WT, NE

DCC, EA, GWNEC

Potential Partners (Possible lead in bold) WRT, DCC, WT, NE

H

H

H

H

H

H

H

H

L

H

H

H

Priority

123

EA, AAP

Biffa, HLF, AAP

Biffa

Biffa, HLF

Biffa, Community Funds, AAPs, Community Infrastructure Levy HLF

Biffa, Community Funds, AAPs, Community Infrastructure Levy Sita

Biffa, Community Funds, AAPs AAPs, Community Funds, Community Infrastructure Levy AAPs, Community Funds, Community Infrastructure Levy























Improved management of allotment areas and fly-tipping issues. Link to existing anti fly tipping schemes.

Improved access/pathways, updates to existing interpretation information and general maintenance of the woodland corridor.

Improved access/pathways, updates to existing interpretation information and general maintenance of the woodland corridor.

Creation of a footpath along the north-side of the river bank.

Formalise existing pathway from burn to Craghead, including a 500m section on the north side of the burn north of Craghead to increase connectivity with the surrounding woodlands and The Middles and Grange Villa. Improve interpretation and directional signage along the woodland corridor in conjunction with this.

Improved interpretation and recreational facilities, i.e. picnic tables

Interpretation of Twizell Burn Drift Mine and Fox and Parrot Wood

Improve access between Fox and Parrot Wood and riparian habitat and plantation.

Selected thinning of non-native species in the area of conifer plantation just north of Fox and Parrot Wood.

Improved pathway maintenance and introduction of interpretation information, link to B2.

Feasibility for renaturalisation of channel in this stretch, with wider habitat improvements linked to areas of sensitive habitat and steep topography to the south bank.

Existing wet woodland at Alma woods to be preserved, any pathway creation or maintenance should be sensitive to this habitat.

A14

A15

B1

B2

B4

B5

B6

B7

B8

B9

B3

Potential Funder

Benefits

Opportunity

Map reference

WT, DCC

DCC, Local communities

WT, DCC

DCC

WT, DCC

DCC, WT GWNEC

DCC, GWNEC

DCC, GWNEC

DCC, GWNEC

DCC, GWNEC

Potential Partners (Possible lead in bold) EA, DCC, GWNEC, Community Groups

M

M

H

H

H

H

H

H

H

H

H

Priority

124

Potential Funder

AAPs, Community Funds, Community Infrastructure Levy EA

DEFRA, AAPs, ERDF

DCC,

Biffa HLF Community Funds, AAPs, Community Infrastructure Levy

DCC, EA

DCC

EA

EA

Benefits 

















Opportunity

Small pockets of wet woodland creation and development to support existing habitats and biodiversity. Link to B9

Research project to determine effects of historical workings and industry on water quality (site of old mine and brick works – study could be extended catchment wide)

Opportunity to re-naturalise the watercourse and/or to develop a hydroelectric scheme coupled with a fish pass/lift and general soft engineering to replace/improve existing structures. Woodland and riverbank maintenance including selective felling of trees. Links to B14.

Surface water run-off improvement via SuDS scheme at Grange Villa

Improved general woodland and pathway management, formalising existing paths accompanied by directional signage.

Selective felling of coniferous trees at Grange plantation to be replaced in areas with native trees for bankside management. Selective felling of conifers adjacent to the watercourse to add light into the corridor should be considered. This would improve the biodiversity adjacent to the burn but also make the footpath network more appealing. Opportunities for some wetland areas may exist in The Bottoms which should be explored further as these may assist in alleviating incidence of flooding downstream.

Improved litter picking and anti-fly tipping education and monitoring scheme. This could link to a waste amnesty day (or days) where the council collect larger items of waste from households to prevent them being fly tipped.

Monitoring and maintenance improvements to Pelton Fell Bridge to aid fish movement

Removal of invasive species (Himalayan Balsam) coupled with native planting and continued maintenance of the bankside habitat.

Improve access and maintenance for Environment Agency monitoring station and recreation along the stretch The creation of wetland areas in the reach upstream of the viaduct would be difficult due to land ownership however it may be possible to create some small areas that would be beneficial to alleviate incidences of flooding downstream.

Map reference

B10

B11

B12

B13

B14

B15

C1

C2

C3

EA, DCC

WRT, NE, DCC, GWKNEC, EA

DCC/Highway Network

GWKNEC, DCC, Community Groups

DCC, GWKNEC

DCC

EA, DCC

Durham University

Potential Partners (Possible lead in bold) WT, DCC

H

M

M

H

H

L

H

M

M

Priority

125

EA, DCC

EA, Biffa, Community Funds, AAPs, Community Infrastructure Levy EA, Biffa, Community Funds, AAPs, Community Infrastructure Levy







Feasibility required to assess cost and benefit of daylighting the culvert through Chester-Le-Street

The open spaces on both sides of the Chester Burn after the culverted section could be utilised as wetland storage areas that would be helpful to store flood water and increase biodiversity. Further biodiversity could be added with the addition of appropriate tree and shrub planting in these areas Wetland or pond creation to act as an attenuation basin. Links with wider Flood Alleviation Scheme on the north bank adjacent to sewage works.

Wetland or pond creation to act as an attenuation basin. Links with wider Flood Alleviation Scheme south side at Riverside Park. Links to C5.

C4

C5

C6

EA, DCC

EA





Removal of invasive species and general access and path maintenance adjacent to the sewage works.

Removal of invasive species and general access and path maintenance along the banks of the Wear/Riverside Park.

C7

C8

FAS could link to community flood awareness education scheme with the local communities; this could include the provision of water saving technologies.

Potential Funder

Benefits

Opportunity

Map reference

EA, DCC, GWKNEC

EA, DCC, GWKNEC

WRT, GWKNEC

WRT, GWKNEC

DCC

Potential Partners (Possible lead in bold)

M

M

H

H

L

Priority

9.1 Greening Twizell Partnership The Greening Twizell Partnership would be representative of stakeholders and the community who are interested in making a difference in the Twizell catchment area. It is proposed that the partnership should have a broad representation to ensure that local need is addressed.

The Partnership will work together to translate the opportunities identified within the masterplan into deliverable projects that meet the vision and objectives for the Twizell burn.

Key outputs from the proposed partnership over and above the projects outlined in the subsequent chapters could include: 

Supporting a Community Ranger post with responsibility for the day to day management and maintenance of the Burn Corridor and providing a link between the partnership and the local community.

They would be responsible for co-ordinating a Twizell Burn volunteering programme, community engagement, educational and awareness raising activities to monitor and undertake improvements to the natural environment.



Developing a Heritage Trail linking existing or new amenity green spaces with historical, cultural and natural features along the Twizell burn. This could include a variety of trails for walkers, horse riding and cyclists alongside recreational spaces including natural play facilities and picnic areas. The trail would bring to life the area’s rich heritage which encompasses a large number of historic sites including Roman remains, listed buildings and remnants of the area’s mining/industrial legacy. This would link in with the proposed heritage trails which are being developed by DCC in the South Moor area.

This could be a catalyst for kick-starting activity and extending trails up and downstream of South Moor and Memorial Park.



A suite of educational based schemes could encourage the local community to learn more about the area, including: - Flood alleviation education scheme for the wider community of Chester-le-Street including water efficiency measures - Working with schools in the area to develop activities linked to the national curriculum – including an ‘adopt’ a stretch of burn project, survey work, habitat improvements and learning to fish schemes.

- Hold a wider campaign and awareness raising schemes with community organisations including waste awareness and litter clearance days - Promotional programmes around wrong-connections and reducing the demand on the drainage network, including the promotion of simple water retention practices such as use of water butts and plants in gardens/yards.

Image 69: Access network in Memorial Park

126

Image 70: Twizell Burn headwaters near Morrison Busty

127

9.2 Chapman’s Well to Quaking Houses – Attenuation and Biodiversity Improvements This would involve a partnership approach to focus on the upper catchment of Twizell Burn, specifically the drainage and natural environment from Chapman’s Well, the Morrison Busty Industrial Estate downstream to Quaking Houses.

The main focus of the scheme will be the attenuation of water through natural filtering to reduce the levels of contaminants entering the watercourse, notably from run-off from the Morrison Busty Industrial Estate, including salt store, and historic landfill beneath Chapman’s Well. This will improve water quality and reduce the impact of large volumes of rainfall on the Burn (i.e. prevent flash flooding events).

Physical works would include improvements to the existing reed beds, wetlands, heathland, access and interpretation. This would be undertaken with a view to improve management and condition of the natural environment of the area to maximise the sites potential to continue to support a wide range of wildlife, as the area currently supports waders, birds of prey, waterfowl, butterflies, owls, foxes, deer and stoats..

This project also aims to use Durham University and also encourage local volunteers to get involved to fully understand in detail diffuse pollution pressures throughout the Stanley Burn system (upper Twizell) and to secure the headwaters water quality (chemical and biological). Work will also be undertaken to monitor and understand the high levels of ammonia present to establish the source of this and put in place mitigation measures.

The Wear Rivers Trust working in partnership will lead on the development and delivery of this scheme which will be undertaken in phases. Phase 1 to be funded through CPAF will focus on the area around Chapman’s Well and Morrison Busty with phase 2 at Quaking Houses to improve wetland areas and CSOs subject to funding being secured and then a further phase at Memorial Park at South Moor to re-naturalise the watercourse and address issues associated with CSOs.

Image 71: Existing attenuation pond in the Twizell Burn headwaters

128

Image 72: Woodland at Chapman’s Well

Image 73: Twizell Burn at the rear of Morrison Busty

Image 74: Aerial image of Twizell Burn headwaters. 1:3,000 Scale. All Rights Reserved © Crown Copyright 2007. Ordnance Survey Licence Number 0100041467

Image 75: Mixed habitat in Chapman’s Well

Image 76: Twizell Burn at Chapman’s Well

129

9.3 Memorial Park Improvements There are a number of opportunities in and around Memorial Park, near South Moor, which could improve the water quality of the burn, amenity space, the natural environment and access.

Key components of this project could include: 

DCC led work to implement Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDs) in a primary study area as identified by feasibility work undertaken by Fairhurst. More detailed information about SUDs in the catchment is included as a separate project.



The continued maintenance and improvements to Memorial Park, especially with regard to the debris gates, the culvert and access. When debris is trapped in the debris gates and culvert entrances, the burn which is artificially channelled within Memorial Park, is prone to flooding. Improved maintenance and removal of the debris as it accumulates would help to reduce the likelihood or impact of flooding.

Existing work is underway to improve the heritage of Memorial park and a further HLF bid is being developed by DCC to create a heritage trail. These could act as a catalyst for a wider heritage scheme in the catchment area.



There is evidence that demonstrates that improvements are required to the existing CSO at Memorial Park as well as the wider network. Work will be required with Northumbrian Water to identify how this work would fit with their investment plans.

Detailed feasibility work to assess the cost-benefit ratio and impact of denaturalising the Twizell Burn through Memorial Park and subsequently the culvert running from Memorial Park east to Middles Wood. This could be a complex, however it is believed that the large culvert may be prohibitive to fish passage, and deculverting part of this section would allow the creation of an attenuation wetland area and key development for promoting the biodiversity and habitat within the catchment. This would require detailed studies, consultation and funding to realise this ambition.

Image 77: Formal entrance to Memorial Park from South Moor Road

130

Image 78: Debris and blockages in Memorial Park

Image 79: Debris gathering at culvert entrance in Memorial Park

Âą

Image 80: Aerial image of Memorial Park and surrounding area. 1:,1,500 Scale. All Rights Reserved Š Crown Copyright 2007. Ordnance Survey Licence Number 0100041467

Image 81: Twizell Burn entering Memorial Park, prior to heavy rainfall

Image 82: Twizell Burn entering Memorial Park, after heavy rainfall

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9.4 Access Improvements There are a range of access improvement opportunities that have been identified through walkovers, landscape architect support and community members.

It is recognised that access projects require a combination of capital work and on-going maintenance and management and therefore will be subject to associated budgetary and maintenance restrictions. Any access project, should initially focus on existing routes and pathways to begin with, promoting the network already in place, with future work, if deemed feasible, to look at extending the access network throughout the river corridor and between local communities.

Initially priority should be given to the stretch of the Twizell Burn from the B6532 at Stanley Wood/Middles Wood, through the river corridor past Craghead, Grange Villa and Pelton Fell to Chester-le-Street. Access improvements would need to be accompanied by improved interpretation and could form parts of the heritage trail that is proposed.

The river corridor up stream of Grange Villa is only partially accessible by formal footpaths, and is particularly hard to access when walking downstream, There are also opportunities to link and improve the existing riparian habitat focused on Fox and Parrot Wood.

Downstream of Grange Villa, there are far more well used, albeit informal, pathways, which could benefit greatly from formalisation, signposting and maintenance. Throughout the whole catchment there is a lack of recreational facilities such as picnic tables or benches which could be installed as part of an access improvement programme to encourage the use of new or improved pathways

Image 83: Existing informal path and fencing barriers at Chapman’s Well

132

Image 84: Informal access near Morrison Busty

Image 86: Typical pathways through Reaches A & B

Image 85: Damaged pathways near the confluence with the Wear

Image 87: Waterlogged access in Chapman’s Well

133

9.5 Newbridge Banks Hydro-power Feasibility and Wider Energy Generation It is recognised that there is currently a significant amount of artificial channelling of the watercourse immediately up and down stream of Newbridge Banks, near Grange Villa. There are significant opportunities here to re-naturalise the water course, improve fish passage and biodiversity, as well as explore the feasibility of a hydro-electric scheme to provide community energy.

Options exist in this particular stretch due the heavily modified watercourse that has been altered due to mining and brick work industries west of Newbridge Banks, and then through the improvement of the road structure connecting Grange Villa with communities and transport links south of Twizell Burn. As a result of the modifications, there is a sudden and significant drop in the Burn after it is culverted underneath Newbridge Banks, presenting a significant head and flow of water that could suit hydro-electric power generation.

A project along these lines would require significant feasibility work, both for assessing the options and planning requirements to generate electricity at this part of the Burn, but also for fish passage, potential renaturalisation of the channel and for re-developing the land after installing major works. Re-development of the land could provide additional opportunities for creation of a recreational and community amenity which would add value to the local biodiversity and community.

A further option could be to assess the feasibility of improving woodland management to create a source of bio-fuel. Durham County Council are exploring this across the County. Many parts of the river corridor, including the areas immediately up and downstream of Newbridge Banks have been planted with conifers and non-native trees. The feasibility of removing these plantations for use as a bio-fuel would need to be considered, with appropriate management of the woodland to be planted with fast growing crops such as willow or mischanthus (elephant grass) which can be harvested and managed on a regular basis allowing the creation of an ongoing biomass resource.

Image 88: Culvert, artificial channelling and modifications

134

Image 89: View east over the step weir structure east of Newbridge banks

Image 90: Aerial image of Newbridge Banks and Grange Villa. 1:2,000 Scale. All Rights Reserved Š Crown Copyright 2007. Ordnance Survey Licence Number 0100041467

Image 91: Access network and nonnative species east of Newbridge Banks

Image 92: Artificial channelling and step weir structure at Newbridge Banks

Image 93: Artificial channelling and step weir structure at Newbridge Banks

135

9.6 Chester-le-Street River Corridor Improvements A large section of the watercourse is culverted beneath Chester-Le-Street which immediately impacts on the fish passage and flow rates through an artificial channel. However, a number of opportunities have been identified around Chester-le-Street which can be brought together to improve this stretch of the water course.

It is proposed that this project would utilise the existing open floodplain spaces to create a mosaic of wetland storage ponds to the north and south of the Twizell Burn between the culvert beneath Chester-le-Street and the River Wear, as well as the removal of invasive species and improved access.

It is recognised that whilst opportunities for improvement were raised by members of the community, within partnership meetings and by a landscape architect conducing a walk-over, there will be a need to undertake detailed research on the cost-benefit analysis of undertaking this work. It is believed that development of land in this area would improve biodiversity and generate a recreation facility which would attract the local community to engage with flood alleviation methods, local biodiversity and eco-systems.

It is also noted that the creation of educational and recreational areas, such as a still water fishing would provide a facility to support the local community as well as have a practical role in improving water quality and managing flood risks.

Removal of invasive species require regular management to ensure that they do not re-appear or spread.

This in itself can be a long term project, though options to ease budgetary constraints can be explored through the use of volunteers.

Image 94: Artificial channelling, access and litter , beneath the A167

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Image 95: Land south of confluence with the River Wear, looking south-east

Image 96: Aerial image of Chester-le-Street and confluence of Chester Burn and the River Wear. 1:1000 Scale. All Rights Reserved Š Crown Copyright 2007. Ordnance Survey Licence Number 0100041467

Image 97: Artificial channelling

Image 98: Artificial channelling

Image 99: Flood plain looking north towards confluence

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9.7 Sustainable Drainage Systems Durham County Council appointed Fairhurst to undertake an options appraisal of an area of six streets in South Moor in order to ascertain how to improve surface water management. With the support of the Environment Agency and Northumbrian Water, Fairhurst were able to identify a series of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) for the primary study area and those which theoretically would benefit a wider secondary area too. The measures identified for the primary study area include:     

Permeable Paving Stormwater Planters Rain Gardens Bio-swales Tree planting

Within the secondary area and wider catchment, SuDS measures also include:          

Green roofs Filter strips Filter drains Geocellular / modular systems Trench troughs Swales Attenuation basins Bioretention Retention ponds Wetlands

It is therefore recognised that there is an opportunity to develop the options appraisal report compiled by Fairhurst into deliverable SuDS schemes. To help implement the options identified, it is proposed that a project is developed to advance the level of work already completed and this should be done in a number of phases, focusing on the primary study area as defined by Fairhurst and DCC, particularly Pine Street where costs have been identified and plans outlined, then looking at the feasibility of where work could be undertaken in the secondary study area and wider catchment.

DCC and the EA are working to develop a centre of excellence within the Twizell Burn focusing on SuDS to see what measures are most effective in improving surface water management. European Regional Development Funding (ERDF) has been identified as a source of funding to take this forward.

Proposed SuDS Design for the Primary Study Area, as proposed by Fairhurst, can be seen in Appendix 3.

Image 100: Pine Street, South Moor—SuDS Primary Study Area

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Image 101: Poplar Street, South Moor—SuDS Primary Study Area

Primary Study Area

Secondary Study Area

± Image 102: Aerial image of the primary and secondary study areas (approximation). The primary study area focuses on 6 streets of South Moor.

1:3,500 Scale. All Rights Reserved © Crown Copyright 2007. Ordnance Survey Licence Number 0100041467

Image 103: Playing fields east of South Moor Road, facing north towards Hussledown Road

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9.8 Next Steps The GI Masterplan has been developed with the support of a wide range of partners and community members and for the above projects to be taken forward it will be essential that a strong partnership is identified to progress these opportunities. This partnership would work together to identify a project lead to develop the higher priority project ideas into fully costed, funded and deliverable projects.

To do this the project leads will need to work with partners to: 

      

Fully scope out the activity to be undertaken and identify any measures that will be need to de-risk the project including any feasibility work required Identify roles in relation to development and delivery Set out linkages to other activity in the area Consult more widely with the community Produce fully costed proposals Source funding and submit applications Develop comprehensive programmes identify key milestones Set out projects outputs and outcomes

9.9 Planning Policy Durham County Council is currently working on the resubmission of their Local Plan. Once approved, this will provide the overarching strategy for development in the County. Durham County Council is also looking to update their open space needs assessment over the summer of 2015.

Once this is undertaken then settlement plans will be produced. The Twizell Burn GI masterplan will be used as an evidence base to inform the settlement plans that will be produced for Stanley and Chester-le– Street. The partners will also continue to work together to identify if there are any opportunities to access any Community Infrastructure Levy funding to undertake GI improvements that arises from future housing and economic development in the catchment area. The County Durham Plan: Pre-Submission Draft Proposals Map20 highlights areas of proposed sites.

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OPPORTUNITIES SUMMARY 

42 initial opportunities and issues raised



7 key projects based on priority level including: 

A Greening Twizell Partnership



Habitiat and surface water management work in the headwaters and Reach A



Improvements to Memorial Park



Access improvements



Renewable energy, fish pass and land management



Surface water management (SuDS)



Flood water attenuation - catchment wide and with a focus at Chester-le-Street

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All Rights Reserved Š Crown Copyright 2007. Ordnance Survey Licence Number 0100041467

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All Rights Reserved Š Crown Copyright 2007. Ordnance Survey Licence Number 0100041467

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All Rights Reserved Š Crown Copyright 2007. Ordnance Survey Licence Number 0100041467

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Image 104: Access alongside Twizell Burn approaching Hussledown Sewage Treatment Works

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Appendices 1.

Bibliography

2.

Community Consultation Report

3.

Fairhurst Primary Area Design

4.

South Moor Heritage Trail Plan

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1.

Bibliography

1.

Sustainable Community Strategy—Durham Council (http://content.durham.gov.uk/PDFRepository/ SCS.pdf) Accessed December 2014

2.

CABE “The Value of Public Space” Report, March 2014 (https://www.designcouncil.org.uk/sites/default/ files/asset/document/the-value-of-public-space.pdf) Accessed November 2014

3.

The EU Water Framework Directive - integrated river basin management for Europe (2000). Accessed October 2014 (http://ec.europa.eu/environment/water/ water-framework/index_en.html)

4.

Natural England Natural Character Area profile 14 Tyne and Wear Lowlands online document http:// publications.naturalengland.org.uk/ publication/4683608954503168?category=587130 published 26th September retrieved 1/12/14).

5.

(Natural England Natural character area profile 16 Durham Coalfield Pennine Fringe online document http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/ publication/6333292202688512?category=587130 published 11th July 2013. Retrieved 1/12/14).

6.

Environment Agency: Structural modifications of Culverts—Design Guidance (2010) (http:// evidence.environment-agency.gov.uk/FCERM/en/ SC060065/MeasuresList/M7/M7T1.aspx? pagenum=2) Accessed December 2014

7.

Durham Biodiversity Action Partnership - Priority Habitats (http://www.durhambiodiversity.org.uk/ biodiversity-action-plan/priority-habitats/) Accessed December 2014

8.

Durham County Council Paths For People—Rights of Way Improvement Plan for County Durham 2011-14 (http://www.durham.gov.uk/media/4435/Paths-forPeople-2011-2014/pdf) Accessed December 2014

9.

Durham County Council Infrastructure Delivery Plans 2013. (http://durhamcc-consult.limehouse.co.uk/ portal/planning/ps/idp? pointId=1369903282738#section-1369903282738) Accessed November 2014

10. The Environment and Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Durham County Council) published the Development of Renewable Energy Technologies in County Durham Scrutiny Review in 2012(http://www.durham.gov.uk/ media/1675/Renewable-Energy-Report/pdf/ Renewable_Energy_Report.pdf) 150

11. Durham County Council Core Strategy Interim Sustainability Appraisal Report (http://durhamccconsult.limehouse.co.uk/portal/planning/cdp_ce/ icssa?pointId=s1304410334116) Accessed December 2014 12. County Durham Core Evidence Base—Technical Paper No.13 Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, May 2010 (http://www.durham.gov.uk/ media/3361/Technical-paper-No13---Energyefficiency-and-renewable-energy/pdf/ TechPaper13EnergyEfficiencyAndRenewableEnergy V2.pdf) Accessed December 2014 13.

The British Hydropower Association—A Guide to UK Mini-Hydro Developments , 2012 (http://www.britishhydro.org/Useful_Information/A%20Guide%20to% 20UK%20mini-hydro%20development%20v3.pdf)

14. Durham County Council Heritage, Landscape and Design. Chester-le-Street. December 2013.

Conservation Area Appraisal (http:// www.durham.gov.uk/media/3548/Chester-Le-StreetConservation-Area-Character-Appraisal/pdf/ ChesterLeStreetConservationAreaCharacterAppraisal .pdf) 15. South Moor Surface Water Management - February 2015 – Fairhurst 16. County Durham Surface Water Management Plan— August 2011 - Aecom 17. Greencroft and Langley Moor SSSI description - as provided by Natural England, May 2015 18. Conservation Objectives and Definitions of Favourable Condition for Designated Features of Interest - Greencroft and Langley Moor SSSI - August 2008 - Natural England 19. A statement of English Nature’s views about the management of Green Croft & Langley Moor Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) - April 2005 - English Nature (Provided by Natural England, May 2015 20.

County Durham Plan: Pre-Submission Draft Proposals Map http://spatial.durham.gov.uk/localplan/ default.aspx? layerid=6&x=416905.78661&y=552445.80826&scale= 5000

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2.

Community Consultation Report.

Introduction This report outlines consultation that has been undertaken by Groundwork NE & Cumbria relating to the development of the Twizell Burn Green Infrastructure Masterplan. Consultation aimed to work with groups, partners and individuals within the area surrounding the Twizell Burn in order to identify and prioritise a number of improvements required within the area in order to improve the watercourse and surrounding areas for local people and wildlife into the future. All recommendations and findings are a direct result of community-led comments and feedback.

Approach Community consultation took place over a two month period between October and December 2015.

The following approaches were used in order to engage people from within the area in the consultation:   

Public events Communication with local groups and project partners Features within local media

An online survey was developed using Survey Monkey for use throughout consultation. This survey formed the basis of all consultation, to ensure that comparable information was gathered. The survey link was disseminated throughout communication with groups and in local press features. Printed copies of the survey were made available for completion at local community venues and at events held throughout the consultation period.

The survey was designed specifically to gather current community perceptions of the burn and surroundings, find out how people are using the area and determine what kind of improvements community members would like to see implemented in the future.

Further engagement with local stakeholders and partners took place via 3 workshops that took place between October and March which drew upon local knowledge and professional input to identify issues, opportunities and to shape the report to best support future progression.

Consultation Events In order to consult with local people the following events were carried out as part of the project:    

Saturday 25th October – Chester-le-Street & District Area Action Partnership event Wednesday 19th November – Brockwell Centre, Pelton Fell Monday 24th November – Louisa Centre, Stanley Thursday 27th November – Quaking Houses Village Hall

These public events were publicised throughout existing networks within the local area and through the use of local press, more traditional printed materials and the use of social media where appropriate.

Some of the events took place alongside existing community events, in order to maximise footfall. For example the Chester-le-Street event linked with an existing AAP engagement event.

Where existing events were not in place, specific drop in events were set up in well used community venues.

The timings of these events were arranged to take place at busy times and to link with existing community activities, again in an attempt to maximise footfall.

Engagement with local community groups In addition to delivery of consultation events, local groups and partners were contacted as part of the 152

consultation process in order to raise awareness of the opportunity to complete the survey within existing networks. These groups included the following:        

Cornerstones Centre for the Community, Chester-le-Street Stanley Area Action Partnership Chester-le-Street & District Area Action Partnership and Improved Environment Subgroup South Stanley Partnership South Moor Partnership Quaking Houses Action Group Pelton Fell Community Partnership Durham Wildlife Trust

Information was disseminated electronically via community contacts and networks, use of posters and flyers within community venues and through the local press.

Features within local media Features were included within local printed publications, including the Consett and Stanley Advertiser, the Evening Chronicle and the Northern Echo, throughout the consultation period to highlight the opportunity for people to contribute their opinions via the online survey.

The link to the survey and the opportunity for people to get involved was also highlighted throughout the consultation period via local social media pages, including Facebook and Twitter.

Workshops In order to gain valuable local knowledge from professional organisations and local councillors, a series of workshops were undertaken that provided a forum for issues and opportunities to be discussed and captured as part of the report. 26 organisations were invited to support the workshops to represent input from the local community and users of the Twizell Burn, through to professional organisations working on improving biodiversity, habitat and river restoration, for example.

In addition to capturing local and professional knowledge, it was deemed crucial to identify how the report could best be used as a pro-active document once produced. Engagement with partners working in the area was key to determining how the report would be used and therefore how best to record and report on the findings made.

Key Findings In total, 40 people completed the survey during the consultation period. It is estimated that overall at least 100 local people were spoken to directly, but many of these people were not aware of the Twizell or current issues and therefore felt unable to complete the survey. The majority of people engaged throughout the consultation process are estimated to be between 35 and 70 years of age. A smaller proportion of adults between 25 and 35, and adults over 70 were also involved.

Specific information in relation to the responses can be found in the accompanying Survey Monkey summary document.

This report summarises the key findings which can be drawn from analysis of these responses.

The key issue that people within the area have highlighted through consultation is around the litter and fly tipping that is evident within the burn.

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Other issues/concerns highlighted include anti-social behaviour (particularly within the wooded areas bordering the burn), flooding, pollution and low quality habitat. Access issues were also identified around certain areas especially when the watercourse floods.

It appears from the consultation that has been undertaken that the key aspiration is for the burn to be cleaned up to make an impact in the shorter term and then for support to be made available for this to continue, so the Twizell can remain clean into the future. One respondent identified that lots of volunteers would be needed to keep the Twizell clean.

When asked what improvements they would like to see made to the burn, 90% of people stated that they would like to see access improved around the Twizell and 72% stated that they wanted to see improved maintenance of the greenspace within the area. 63% would like to see more conservation work in and around the Twizell with 56% of respondents stating that they would like to see work carried out around flood prevention and reduction and sustainable urban drainage.

Over 50% of people spoken to said that they would like to learn more about the Twizell. 63% of people engaged were particularly interested in learning more about local access and recreation and history and culture. 52% stated that they would like to learn more about biodiversity and conservation and how pollution can be prevented.

When asked whether they would like to be involved throughout the project, over 40% of people involved gave a positive response. Those who have offered their assistance appear to be most interested in getting involved in practical volunteering to assist with access works, conservation work and litter removal. 23% of people questioned would like to get involved with reporting issues or becoming a volunteer warden.

Recommendations The following recommendations have all been proposed by members of the community consulted as part of the process:      

  

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Address litter and fly tipping issues within the area through working with the local authority to tackle hotspot sites along the burn.

Deliver a litter/ fly tipping campaign within the local area, including work within the local community, with existing local groups and schools.

Publicise existing access networks throughout the area to encourage more people to visit the burn and investigate potential areas where access improvements would be beneficial.

Address areas currently prone to flooding and develop solutions that will alleviate flood risk.

Work with local communities in order to raise awareness of their impact upon the watercourse, including work with households, businesses, community organisations and groups.

Develop a supported volunteering programme that enables more local people to get involved in helping to make a difference to the burn and surrounding area. This should include a variety of opportunities to appeal to a wide cross section of the local community.

Work with existing landowners in order to engage volunteers in supporting maintenance of open spaces alongside the burn.

Identify areas for habitat improvement works and engage the local community in development of these areas.

Deliver an engagement programme that encourages more people to explore the local area and enables them to learn more about the Twizell, its importance, what lives here and its history.

COMMUNITY CONSULTATION SUMMARY 

The community would like to see the Twizell and its surroundings improved.



There is a lack of awareness in general about the Twizell within the local community.



Litter and fly tipping are the key issues highlighted.



Anti-social behaviour appears to be a particular issue within the wooded areas bordering the burn.



Additional areas of concern include flooding, pollution and low quality habitat.



Access to certain parts of the burn is an issue and the majority of people engaged in consultation would like to see access to the burn improved.



There appears to be a willingness within the community to engage with a project that seeks to make improvements to the burn and a number of local people appear to be interested in volunteering to help support improvements.



There is a current lack of understanding of the Twizell Burn and why it is important.

Image 105: Poor and unmaintained habitat and interpretation near Memorial Park

Image 106: Pathways and Silene dioica - Red Campion near the confluence of the Chester Burn with the Wear.

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Community Consultation Survey Questions and Summary of Replies 1.

Please tell us what you think the main issues are around the Stanley Burn / Kate’s Gill / Twizell Burn / Cong Burn in your area 

“Rubbish is an issue” / “Full of litter” / “Rubbish” / “Rubbish It's in a terrible state - needs a lot of rubbish cleaning” / “Rubbish dumped and glass. Not a very nice area for walking” / “Rubbish Pollution Issues” / “Rubbish dirty” / “Full of rubbish” / “Dumping area” / “Rubbish is still a problem” / “Quite a lot of rubbish lying around near burns. general litter”



“Rubbish Bottles/cans caving in of banksides Full of old logs/woods Flooding Needs little dams to help preserve the watercourse Stones/rocks need to be removed to the side to improve the flow”



“Rubbish being dumped Broken bottles Fires being started Vandalism” / “Dumping rubbish Access to the Twizell Burn, pollution of streams” / “Access. Over hang. Broken glass. Litter” / “Fly tipping and littering, empty cans, food cartons etc.” / “Litter thrown away and blowing about.

Trees an Vegetation Often grow and cover streams. Need lots of helpers to keep clean.”



“Huge issues with industrial pollution at the beginning of the route. Run off from DCC waste transfer site. Issues with reed beds not being maintained and now a sludgy silty mess.”



“Water quality lack of quality riparian habitat anti-social behaviour”



“Motorbikes Old pig sty Rubbish” / “Old pig sty needs removing next to the burn. Litter”



“Access to Cong burn wood at Pelton fell is not easy for must people the public foot path for must of the time is flooded and like a swamp motor bikes use the woods all the time and a lot of people walk around with air rifles this puts a lot of people off using the area”



“The whole stretch of this area is used as a tip is patrolled by anti social people is used as a hiding place of drug stashes as well as a meeting point of druggies. In some areas the walk ways are not suitable for all There is no access for people with disabilities or wheel chair users.”



“Flooding” / “Flooding High water run offs” / “Flooding on Wear”

Image 107: Visualisation of comments from members of the community around Twizell Burn (www.wordle.net)

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2.

3.

4.



“Pretty clean at the minute Pollution was bad when the waste transfer station was first built much better now. There is a man hole cover in South Moor that floods when it rains heavy - used (4 years ago) - not sure whether it has been fixed now.”



“No issues at quaking houses with the burn. The drift area has already been concreted over would have been nice to see some interpretation panels there but too late now”



“Encourage local ownership and pride in the area. Improving access and awareness of history.”



“Pollution needs to be cleaned at check pollution levels. Improve for wildlife. Think the Cong is fairly good. unsure of Twizell”



“Overgrown in the summer. ASB in and mound the area. Assorted litter. Fires”

What Improvements would you like to see? 

Access & Recreation - 88.9%



Maintenance of green space - 72.2%



Conservation - 63.9%



Preventing and reducing the risk of flooding - 55.6%



SuDS - 55.6%



Cultural and Heritage improvements to existing areas such as war memorials, Roman sites etc. 50.0%



Community hydro-electricity scheme - 50.0%



Education - 44.4%

If improvements were made to the following, would you use them? 

Improved access to the burn and surrounding areas including footpaths, disabled access etc. 93.8%



Improvements to bankside habitat - 65.6%



New parkland / recreation areas - 65.6%



Improvements to important habitats such as Local Nature Reserves and Special Sites of Scientific Interest - 59.4%



Improvement to interpretation and education information of historical and cultural sites - 53.1%



Improvement to interpretation and education information of habitats and biodiversity - 50.0%



Improvement to fisheries for recreation - 28.1%

Would you be interested in learning more about the Burn and its tributaries? 

5.

51.4% replied ‘Yes’

If you answered ‘Yes’ to question 4, what would you like to learn more about? 

Access and recreation - 63.1%



History and culture - 63.1%



Biodiversity and conservation - 52.6%



Pollution prevention - 52.6%



SuDS and wrong connections - 36.8%



Fishing - 21.1%

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6.

Would you be interested in getting involved in this project? 

7.

8.

41.2% indicated they would be interested in getting involved in the project

If you answered ‘Yes’ to question 6, please specify the type of project you are interested in 

Practical conservation - 61.5%



Practical access improvements - 53.9%



Litter picking and clean up projects - 53.9%



Reporting issues / becoming a volunteer warden - 23.1%



Data collection - 15.4%

If you are interested in volunteering, please leave your contact details 

15 individuals supplied contact details to be volunteers

Image 108: Example of community engagement flyer

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Image 109: Twizell Burn / Cong Burn at the confluence with the River Wear

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4.

South Moor Heritage Trail Plan

It is proposed that a Heritage Trail will be designed to celebrate many of the historical links to the industrial past around South Moor, as well to recognise the sacrifice the community made in World War One, especially with members of the mining community losing their lives at war.

A draft copy of the planned route can be seen opposite and it is hoped that this would link in to any further heritage or landscape trails in the area. It is also hoped that this trail would stimulate improved access and develop an understanding between the current environment and past activities within the Twizell Burn catchment.

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3.

Fairhurst Primary Area Masterplan

As defined in the Fairhurst South Moor Surface Water Management, the primary study area encompasses 6 streets in the South Moor Empty Homes Cluster, which includes William Street, John Street, Pine Street, Poplar Street, Elm Street and Maple Street.

SuDS proposed include: 

Stormwater Planters



Rain Gardens



Bio-swales



Tree planting

The SuDS plan for the primary study area details the 6 streets and proposed locations for the SuDS as described above.

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Groundwork NE & Cumbria The Greenhouse Amos Drive Greencroft Industrial Park Annfield Plain Co. Durham DH9 7XN Environment Agency North East Area Office Tyneside House Skinnerburn Road Newcastle Business Park Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 7AR Durham County Council County Hall Aykley Heads Durham DH1 5UQ 164