The Environment Agency are aiming to create a saltmarsh and mudflat habitat in Hartlepool.

Residents of Greatham have been invited to hear more about plans to restore Greatham Marsh in an upcoming public drop-in session.

The meeting will take place on May 14 from 5.30pm until 7.00pm.

Locals will be able to view the proposals and learn how the works will benefit wildlife.

The Greatham Marsh Restoration Project aims to restore the beck by opening its channels to tidal influence and re-establishing natural marshland.

The beck flows south of Greatham before meeting the River Tees, one of the most heavily modified and developed estuaries in the UK. 

The River Tees has less than 10 per cent of the original habitats for wildlife, like wading birds, remaining.

The plan will involve removing a tidal structure to allow the channel to flow as it naturally would and allow natural habitats to form.

Matthew Rountree, project manager for the Environment Agency, said: "We look forward to meeting with members of the public at the drop-in event on May 14 to share these exciting plans to restore parts of Greatham Marsh. 

"The work we are doing here is an opportunity to address the loss of some of our tidal habitats on the Tees Estuary.

"Removing barriers mitigates this threat by allowing the channel of Greatham Beck to expand and preserve its natural environment. This will create the correct conditions for wildlife to thrive, without increasing risk to life or property from flooding. 

"We want to hear the views of the local community and we would encourage everyone to come along to the drop-in session to learn more about our proposed work and see what this means for the area."

The few remaining natural areas of the estuary have a number of hard flood defences, industrial quaysides and tidal barriers. 

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These features all prevent natural expansion of the estuary.

The application for the proposed works at Greatham Marsh has now been submitted and the EA are keen to hear the views of the community.

To have your say, visit: Hartlepool Borough Council | Regeneration and Planning using reference number PP-12981341.