Description:
The East Durharn coalfield employed over 25,000 people post war and was fully closed in 1993. At the height of production, 2.4 million tonnes of colliery spoil per year was tipped directly into the North Sea at 4 different points. The legacy of the industry was 12km of spoil-choked beaches and severe environmental degradation: rubbish being dumped, vandalism, joy riding with vehicles being bumt out and left to litter the beaches. Turning The Tide is a Partnership of 14 Organisations working tagether to regenerate the coast of County Durharn following the closure of the coal mining industry. Launched in 1997 a £ 10 million programme of environmental improvements has been implemented through over 100 separate projects. The aims of the Partnership: • To restore, enhance and conserve the environmental quality of the Durharn coast • To encourage sustainable use and enjoyment of the Durharn coast • To rekindle local pride and a sense of ownership of the Durharn coast