Trip reports
Report on Indoor Meeting - Teesmouth & the Teesmouth Field Centre - a History. A talk by Julie Mason, Honorary Secretary
Tuesday, 10 March 2009
Julie began by describing the history of the Tees estuary, which is protected by breakwaters at the mouth of the river. These North and South 'Gares' were built as a result of a great storm in 1861, which wrecked 60 vessels on the sand bars between Hartlepool and Redcar.
Julie went on to explain that by 1900, much of Teesmouth's inter-tidal mudflats had been reclaimed for industrial use, and the high demand for labour had attracted workers from all over the UK. Included in this development were 1700 acres of land at Seaton Snook, a rocky promontory that stretches into the estuary providing a high tide roost for many waders.
Seal Sands was originally named because, before the 19th century, more than 1000 Common (or Harbour) Seals bred on the mudflats each year. But their numbers began to decline at an alarming rate, and by the mid 1800s the numbers had dropped to only 20 or 30, and eventually to just three. It is unknown as to why this may have occurred, but was maybe due to the increase in shipping, which caused disturbances and affected the sand-bars that were frequently used by the seals.
It wasn't until the mid 1980s that the Common Seals began to re-use the area and the current count is sixty nine and fourteen of these are pups. Their numbers in recent years have been known to exceed seventy. The Industry and Nature Conservation Association (INCA) monitor their progress.
As well as Common Seals, the much larger Grey Seal can also be seen at the estuary, however their numbers are only around the thirty mark.
The Teesmouth Field Centre, which is located on the site of the Hartlepool Power Station, is used for education with a large emphasis on the history of the area. It runs study groups for school pupils of all ages. The 'Tour of Teesmouth' has been the most popular aspect of this since it was introduced back in 1971. It is a two-hour event, which requires transport due to the wide area which it covers. The focus is on the co-existence of industry and wildlife. It tells how there have been major changes in lowland use and in housing.
Another programme is the Teesmouth Habitat Trail, which takes place along North Gare. Julie told us how some of the children who have attended in the past had never been to the beach before! The trail focuses on the various flora and fauna along the sand dunes. There are many other similar activities which are enjoyed by students of all ages.
Throughout the talk we enjoyed detailed slides showing maps, and photographs of birds specific to the area, including gulls, waders and ducks, with explanations regarding the relevant pair numbers and breeding activities around Teesmouth and the estuary.
Birds of particular interest that were mentioned included the Snow Bunting and some lucky people have been privileged to experience some wonderful views of these. The Red-breasted Merganser is a visitor to the area from autumn to early spring and has been seen in numbers of between 30-40. Shelduck at Seal Sands have been seen in numbers ranging from 300-400.
The area is rich in calcium due to its industrial past, and this enhances the variety of wildflowers seen. These include: Viper's Bugloss, Rest Harrow, Marsh and Spotted Orchids.
Julie concluded her talk by telling the audience about the video, entitled: Birds of Teesmouth.
The leader thanked Julie for her contribution, and thanks were expressed by the almost 40 members/non-members who were in attendance.
Mark Smith