Telling the incredible story of the Tyne to Tees seascape from the Zechstein Sea, through ice ages, wars and significant industrial heritage up to the present day.
With its long industrial history and a number of notable ports, it’s not surprising that the Tyne to Tees Coast has been a key target for countries at war with Britain. Much of this history has left little trace; but standing coastal defence structures tell the story of Anglo-Scottish warfare, pioneering Victorian artillery and two active World Wars. These ports were vital to Britain’s international trade as well as shipping resources and products throughout the UK. The communities and coast of the scheme area have been shaped by centuries of attempts to make the sea safer.
Hartlepool Lights
Project Lead: Hartlepool Borough Council
A conservation project undertaking works to protect two of the most vulnerable built heritage sites in the project area; to restore the two 19th Century Navigation Markers, Seaton High Light and Beacon Tower located in Hartlepool. Both Grade II listed structures are in a state of disrepair. This project will help to protect and conserve two vulnerable heritage features by taking the condition surveys on Beacon Tower and Seaton High Light a stage further and by undertaking conservation work during the delivery phase.
Coast at War
Project Lead: Hartlepool Borough Council
This project will provide opportunities for local people and visitors to develop skills and appreciation for the history of this coast whilst at war and raise awareness of the importance of SeaScapes shared wartime heritage. Looking at defence structures and coastal bombardments through community recording, excavation and heritage-skills training whilst building links to the past and bringing together different generations to share an appreciation of this fascinating and significant local history.
Sea to Shore: Exploring the Sounds of the past through the community voices
Project Lead: Living History North East
This will provide opportunities for an intergenerational exchange and a new learning journey for communities. Through a range of structured intergenerational exchanges, this project will enable interactions and social contact between different ages to reveal hidden heritage and connect our communities to their past.
Sea to Shore: Discover, record and share the sounds of the sea and coast
Project Lead: SeaScapes Team
Through the creation of sound recordings, we will celebrate the rich heritage of SeaScapes and develop understanding of the relationship of individuals and communities on shore – to the sea. Heritage recordings will transport listeners on a journey through time, travelling along our coastline by land, air and sea, demonstrating all it has endured.
Changing Coastline
Project Lead: Tees Archaeology
This project will explore the story of SeaScapes from prehistory to present day and will complement the ‘Coast at War’ projects. It will explore the settlement, economy, communications and industries of the area. Each community will be introduced to the range of archaeological material typical of their area and communities will be encouraged to develop the presentation of the information to local people and a wider audience through a variety of methods including art and digital animation.
Red Acre Point
Project Lead: Seaham Marina CIC
A project undertaking works as a protection measure to Red Acre Point (a key SeaScapes Station), to make this area more accessible to the public once more and take advantage of the extensive coast and marine panorama. The works will create a new safe access and use of a viewing area and stabilise the existing fort wall. Combined with interpretation of ‘how the Marina has changed over time’, from Mercers Fort to this modern day, this project will reconnect its community and visitors to the important industrial and maritime heritage associated here.
Reading the Rocks
Project Lead: Durham University
The project will tell the story of the physical seascape over time from Permian reefs to the eroding coast we live with today, supported by internationally renowned post glacial scientists from Durham University.
This project will interpret our geology through a range of media and engagement with schools and the wider public. Told through an animation to be hosted online and in gateways (SeaScapes Hubs), this will allow people to see how SeaScapes will have looked through history. The story will also be told through events and themed guided walks.
