March 27, 2002
A dramatic transformation of County Durham's coal-scarred coastline has scooped one of Europe's most prestigious heritage awards.
The £10m Turning The Tide scheme (TTT) - which was completed at the end of last year - has won a Europa Nostra 2001 Heritage Award.
The five-year project, to remove colliery waste and rejuvenate the Durham coastline, received a diploma from Europa Nostra's president, the Prince Consort of Denmark.
The international awards ceremony was held at Christiansborg Castle, Copenhagen, Denmark, at the weekend with the Queen of Denmark as guest of honour.
Ray Leonard, TTT project manager, said: ‘This recognition at international level demonstrates just how much has been achieved over the past five years, a suitably high note on which to finish.’ .
The TTT project, a 14-partner organisation, was launched in July 1997, following a £4.5m award from the Millennium Commission.
Environmental improvements, cycle and walking routes, visitor facilities and information boards have been provided along the coast as part of the project.
More importantly, however, 1.3million tonnes of colliery waste have been removed from the beaches and cliff tops, allowing for the conservation of arable and grassland.
TTT received the diploma for ‘the astonishing transformation of a derelict landscape’.
The once coal-blackened landscape is now of national scenic importance, featuring fine magnesium limestone grassland, wooded denes, cliffs and stacks.
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