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Woodlands in County Durham have been given a lift following the unveiling of a major new grant from the Forestry Commission.
Forest chiefs have pledged £85,000 to improve access and upgrade trails in 900 hectares (2250-acres) of woodland managed by Durham County Council. The scheme will give people better opportunities to walk, bike and go nature watching, while also enhancing key wildlife habitats. Sites to benefit will include Beamish Burn, near Beamish, Willington Woods, near Crook,Congburn Wood, near Chester le Street, Lanchester Valley Railway Path and Derwent Valley, between Consett and Gateshead. Funding has come from the Forestry Commission’s English Woodland Grant Scheme, which over the last year has invested £2m in creating and improving woods in the North East of England. That adds up to a vital contribution in creating a more sustainable future for the region. Mike Riley, Woodland Officer with the Forestry Commission, says: “Because Durham County Council's woods have been independently certified as meeting high eco-friendly standards we’ve been able to allocate an even more generous grant. Woods are fantastic places to enjoy healthy recreation, or just chill out with Mother Nature. But we know that the key to unlocking all the benefits is to make them easy to access and with top notch facilities. This grant will play a big part in achieving these aims.” Some of the woods in the scheme are on reclaimed land, such as old railway cuttings and colliery sites, which were once derelict eyesores, but which have blossomed into wildlife havens and recreational hotspots. However, a small number are classed as ancient, dating back hundreds of years, and more coppicing is planned to re-invigorate the habitat for birds and mammals. Simon Heney, Head Ranger with Durham County Council, adds: “We have a fabulous woodland resource in the county and this grant will support our work to make them even better places for people and wildlife. It's terrific news.” Other work will include tackling overgrown vegetation, better signage and upgrading picnic spots. The grant will be spread over five years. |
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