Whats on
On Saturday 2 August, 11am-4pm, the Trust is hosting a family fun day at Tees Barrage, with plenty of free activities including arts and crafts and seal spotting. Families can bring along a picnic while enjoying an orchestra playing in the background and learn more about this local landmark and the charity that looks after it.
And on Friday 19 September, the Trust is offering free tours of the Barrage’s control room as part of the annual Heritage Open Days, with this year’s theme celebrating architecture. People can book a place by contacting [email protected]
A special place
Sean McGinley, our regional director, said: “Tees Barrage is a special place for many reasons. It plays a vital role in maintaining river levels, and over its 30 years, it has also become a place that the local community uses. We’re looking forward to welcoming people to the events, where they can see and hear from the Canal & River Trust team, who operate the control room, how the Tees Barrage controls the river. They can also spot the wildlife that lives on and in the river, such as seals. It’s a real and unique experience – and it’s all free.”
Tees Barrage, including its lock and road bridge, requires constant care and maintenance. Last year saw large-scale works undertaken by Canal & River Trust, with the replacement of one of the four huge 21-tonne rams, and this year, 13 huge stop-planks are being replaced. All these works are supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
As well as performing its operational job of controlling the river’s water levels 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and allowing boats through its lock, Tees Barrage is well-used for the benefit of the local community. From school children to retired members of community social groups, the Trust’s team at Tees Barrage is keen to help the local community learn about the vital task of controlling and maintaining the flow of the River Tees and the importance of the local river.
