Middlesbrough has five becks that flow into the River Tees. These are Marton West Beck, Ormesby Beck, Newham Beck, Bluebell Beck and Spencer Beck.

Wildlife of the Becks
Middlesbrough's becks are important wildlife corridors. The water vole, which is a protected species and declining nationally, is thriving in urban Middlesbrough. Kingfishers and herons can be regularly seen on all becks.

Middlesbrough Council is working with the Tees Valley Wildlife Trust to ensure that becks are managed to encourage water voles and other wildlife. Along the becks are some attractive and valuable wildlife habitats. Examples include the reedbeds at Berwick Hills local nature reserve and the steep wooded valleys along Marton West Beck in Coulby Newham.

Please follow the link to the right to access the Wildlife Trust website.

Who looks after the Becks?
The Environment Agency have responsibility for managing the flood risk of Marton West beck, Newham beck, Ormesby beck and Middlebeck. These are classed as critical ordinary watercourses. The rest of the becks come under Middlesbrough Council.

Contact us
If you see any pollution in any watercourse, contact the environment agency hotline immediately on 0800 807060. Your report could be vital in preventing a pollution incident.

Please help us to take care of the becks by reporting any fly tipping, trellises or obstructive items to the Middlesbrough Council Environment hotline on 01642 726001.