A County Durham wood has been declared a Local Nature Reserve in the hope of securing its future for generations to come.
Pelaw Wood near Gilesgate in Durham City has received the designation by Durham County Council. The status is expected to help the council protect the new nature reserve from any future development.
It is also hoped that the designation will promote the area as somewhere members of the public can enjoy for years to come. The wood, which offers a spectacular view of Durham Cathedral, is managed by the Friends of Pelaw Wood who maintain footpaths and aim to improve habitats for the wildlife living in the wood through litter picking, clearing rubbish from the beck, tree planting and controlling invasive species.
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Cllr Mark Wilkes, Cabinet member for neighbourhoods and climate change, said that the designation would allow local people to see a benefit to their health and wellbeing from the park, saying: "Pelaw Wood Nature Reserve is a beautiful woodland, and we want to make sure that everyone who lives nearby can make the most of this stunning scenery. Home to so many varieties of wildlife, we hope the designation will encourage local schools and residents to spend more time at the nature reserve."
Tony Win, chairman of the Friends of Pelaw Wood, said: " It is very gratifying that Pelaw Wood has been designated a Local Nature Reserve. This recognises the value accorded to this wood by the people of the neighbourhood."
Have you visited Pelaw Wood Local Nature Reserve? Let us know!
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