OYSTER farms could be set up along the County Durham coast to help the county meet its climate change targets.

Durham County Council has set itself a target of slashing its carbon footprint by 80 per cent over the next ten years.

And along with initiatives such as switching to LED light bulbs and generating more energy from solar power, it is hoped ‘blue carbon’ projects could help bosses reach their goal by 2030.

Stephen McDonald, the council’s low carbon economy principal officer, said: "The heritage coast team said when they have had a look at the Durham coastline they have seen, over the past couple of years, a great improvement in the seabed and the quality of the seabed.

“Since the mining activities ceased it has taken a long time to get back to something like what it was.

“And with help we could plant things like oysters and kelp, which can have a really big carbon offset potential.”

Mr McDonald was speaking at Monday morning’s meeting of the county council’s environment and sustainable communities overview and scrutiny committee held at County Hall, in Durham.

The Northern Echo:

So-called ‘blue carbon’ schemes seek to use sea life, such as kelp and seaweed, to take carbon out of the atmosphere.

Shellfish, such as oysters and clams, can in turn be used to filter and purify sea waters to improve the health of marine ecosystems.

Other schemes include a tree planting, support for peatland restoration, a carbon offset fund and electric buses for the park and ride.

In 2019 Durham County Council promised to cut carbon emissions by 60 per cent from 2008/09 levels by 2030.

The target was increased to 80 per cent earlier this year, with full carbon neutrality by 2050 due to be considered once this is met.

Although bosses claim they are making good progress so far, they also warned the panel they still face a battle to decarbonise the ‘hardest parts’ of society and the economy, such as transport and heating systems.

Rosalind Farrow, a carbon and energy analyst for the council, said: “The emissions we need to focus on are the ones we actually do – burning fossil fuels in our cars and central heating boilers. The National Grid is decarbonising anyway, so in many ways our electricity is not a priority.”