COMPANY MAKES 300-MILE DELIVERY TO SAVE SAND DUNES

British Wild Flower Plants in North Burlingham, the largest grower of native plants in the UK, has delivered Marram and Lyme grass to reclaim coastline on a South Tyneside beach 300 miles away.

A total of 268,000 Marram and Lyme Grass plants were grown by the company last summer for South Tyneside Council, and have now been transported to Sandhaven Beach in South Shields.

Once in place, the grass which can grow up to one metre high, will bind the sand and hold the dunes in place using its deep roots. The dunes are a well-known feature of the South Shields coastline and the grasses grown by British Wild Flower Plants will enhance the coastline for visitors and wildlife for years to come.

Growing the plants for previous winners of ‘best in show’ at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, British Wild Flower Plants has over 380 species of wild flower plants available at their six acre nursery. The business has worked on a wide range of projects such as planting schemes for local authorities and private gardeners wishing to enhance their garden's wildlife.

South Tyneside Council awarded the contract to the Norfolk company due to their previous experience of restoration projects along the river Tyne and on the riverside banks following a competitive procurement exercise.

Linda Laxton, owner of British Wild Flower Plants is delighted to be working on this large coastal reclamation scheme. “The seed was collected from a nearby site last summer so that the plants we grow and deliver will have the same genetic make-up and should establish quickly,” she said. “These plants are very hardy so can withstand harsh weather and also attracts wildlife so are an important part of the eco-system.

“We had to grow 268,000 plants in our nurseries which will now be individually planted at Sandhaven Beach to stabilise the sand and to stop it from shifting. “It’s nice to be doing our bit to protect a beautiful coastline.”

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