The Tyne
- Where are the Tyne Rivers?
- History of the Rivers
- Wildlife on the Tyne
- The Changing Tyne
- Looking after your river
Where are the Tyne Rivers?
The main tributaries of the River Tyne are the North and South Tyne, two contrasting rivers which meet at Warden near Hexham, to become the River Tyne proper.
The South Tyne starts in the Cumbrian Pennines and the North Tyne, high in the Scottish borders. From Warden, the main Tyne flows through Hexham, Corbridge, Wylam, Newcastle, Gateshead and Wallsend before entering the North Sea at Tynemouth.
History of the Rivers
In 1296 a wooden, 135ft long galley was constructed at the mouth of the Lort Burn in Newcastle, as part of a twenty-ship order from the king. The ship cost £205, and is the earliest record of shipbuilding in Newcastle. As ships changed from wood to steel, and from sail to steam, the local shipbuilding industry changed to build the new ships.
As industry has declined we have also become much more aware of how to treat our rivers. Industry is much more regulated and sewage is treated, and as a result the water quality is greatly improved and we have seen the return of life to the tyne.
Wildlife on the Tyne
Wildlife thrives along the River Tyne. From the large populations of salmon, sea trout, dace, chubb, lampreys and eels found in the Tyne to the otters, water voles and grass snakes inhabiting the surrounding riverbanks, the Tyne is home to a rich array of flora and fauna.
The countryside of the Tyne catchment is also full of variety, including high heather moors and hay meadows, large areas of forestry, limestone valleys and in the south Tyne, special river gravels with a unique collection of plants. Many of these sites are of national and international importance for wildlife and they hold a haven of information for budding naturalists.
There are a number of endangered species inhabiting the River Tyne and its surroundings. Competition from invasive species, a reduction in habitat and dangers from human activity have all contributed to the low populations. But you can do your bit to help the plight of these creatures. Please click on the pictures of different animals to learn about our most endangered species in the northeast.
The Tyne, in common with most other British rivers, suffers from damage to its native plants and animals from species which have been artificially introduced, mainly through man's activities. Often these 'invasive species' are faster growing or can out compete our native species and this can endanger their survival, along with a reduction in habitats. The Environment Agency is conserving the habitats of these rare species as well as increasing awareness of their plight in the hope that these species will survive.
Freshwater Pearl Mussels, (Margaritifera margaritifera L.) as indicated by their name, live in streams and rivers. They are a globally threatened species due to their extreme sensitivity to water quality, destruction of habitat and poaching for pearls. It is a criminal offence to disturb pearl mussels or their habitat.
Freshwater Pearl Mussels can live to be over 100 years old, and they are a harmless parasite of salmon for their first few months of life. They then drop off the salmon, settling on the riverbed.
In England they are found in only 12 rivers in the north and west. Some populations remain in Wales and there are still breeding populations in Ireland and Scotland. Here in the north east, numbers of Pearl Mussels are stable due to the improved waters and protected status. There is an estimated 50,000 Freshwater Pearl Mussels inhabiting the North Tyne and River Rede and the Environment Agency, along with other organizations, are doing all they can to maintain their numbers.
Pearl mussels are not currently breeding in the wild so the Environment Agency are giving them a helping hand through a captive breeding programme at the hatchery in Kielder.
White-clawed Crayfish are the only native species in British waters. Although once abundant in our waters, they are now classed as endangered. One of the biggest threats to white-clawed crayfish numbers is the American Signal Crayfish which carries a fungus that is lethal to them.
Like snakes and crabs, white clawed Crayfish shed their shell as they grow. They are carnivorous, feeding on dead fish, snails and caddis fly larvae and have even been know to have cannibalistic tendencies when food is scarce.
The river Tyne is a stronghold for white-clawed Crayfish and their numbers and habitats are monitored to ensure the populations are maintained. They live to the age of about 10 and begin breeding at age 3-4. Females carry about 100 eggs during winter and then when they hatch they cling to their mother until July or September.
Water Voles were first made famous by the character Ratty in Kenneth Graeme�s �The Wind in the Willows�. Unfortunately their numbers have since dwindled and they are now known for being the most rapidly declining mammal in Britain.
Water Voles are the largest of the British vole species and as the name suggests, they can be found in most aquatic habitats including the banks of the Tyne in urban and rural areas. They are herbivorous, feeding on grass, waterside plants, twigs, bulbs, roots and fallen fruit. They live for about 18 months, are fantastic swimmers and are active during the day and night so there is always a chance of spotting one!
Otters live throughout Northumbria and numbers of the species are increasing thanks to the protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) and Habitat Regulations (1994). They can be found in freshwater and saltwater locations and mark their territories with droppings called spraints. They like to feed on fish, crustaceans, water birds, frogs and small mammals and are extremely active at dusk and during the night so this is the best time to spot one.
Otters have two layers of fur to keep them warm and dry. Their outer layer is thick and waterproof while the inner layer is fine and dense. Otters are also adapted for aquatic life having webbed toes and a stream-lined body to aid swimming and sharp claws which help them catch prey.
In order to catch fast moving and elusive prey, Otters have an acute sense of sight, smell and sound. Their eyes are situated high on their head so they can above water when their body is underwater.
For further information on all of the above species in the North East please contact the Environment Agency on 08708 506 506.
Click here to see which wildlife you might spot, at different times of the year, when out and about in the region.
The Changing Tyne
Our climate is changing. From rising sea levels to an increase in river flooding, the evidence is undeniable. And most scientists believe human activity is increasing climate change. But how will this affect the Tyne Rivers by 2050?
- At the mouth of the Tyne, sea levels may rise by up to 1.5 metres. If you want a drink in the Quayside bars you might need a canoe to get there!
- With 5% less annual rainfall will the river be reduced to a trickle?
- Temperatures could increase by over 2 degrees Celsius. Nice for a walk along the Tyne but will the Tyne salmon survive the heat?
The Environment Agency is addressing the impacts of climate change, including increased flood risk, additional stress on our water resources for people and the environment and threats to our planet and wildlife.
On the Tyne we are working with our partners in the Tyne catchment to protect the valuable peat uplands that lock in carbon and prevent it from being released into the environment. What's more, the peat protects from flooding by holding water like a sponge, therefore reducing the impact of flooding in the towns and cities that line the Tyne. Who would have thought peat could be so useful?!
To find out more, try http://www.northpennines.org.uk/index.cfm?articleid=12218.
Looking after your River:
We want you to enjoy your Tyne rivers safely and with consideration for others and wildlife too. Please remember the following:
- Take any litter away with you
- Be aware of the dangers of fast flowing water
- Do not touch or pick up endangered species such as crayfish and pearl mussels (it is an offence to damage them!)
If you want to get involved in protecting your river then try the following:
Living Waterways. Northumberland Wildlife Trust, in partnership with
the Environment Agency, is working to involve local people in the
management of their waterways and associated green spaces. To find out
more about the project contact Jessica Grinsted on (0191) 284 6884, or
follow this link:
http://www.nwt.org.uk/index.php?section=project:project:waterways
River Watch. Tyne Rivers Trust are looking for volunteer 'River
Watchers' who will be trained in basic skill such as invertebrate kick
sampling and water quality assessment. River Watchers are the eyes and
ears of the river and report any problems or threats to their stretch
of river. To find out more go to
http://www.tyneriverstrust.org/pages.php?id=22#RW
