Big New Wood Will Open to Public

PLANS are under way to create the biggest Woodland Trust holding in the North- East.

The trust, the UK’s leading woodland conservation charity, aims to buy 203 acres next to its site at Elemore Woods, Easington Lane in County Durham.

This will eventually provide public access to a continuous area of woodland from Easington Lane and South Hetton to Littletown, a distance of about 2.5 miles.

Fundraising has begun for the pounds 1.35m project which will see new woodland planted, rare magnesian limestone grassland restored and a wildflower meadow created with help from the local community.

County Durham Environmental Trust (Cdent) has pledged pounds 550,000 under the Landfill Communities Fund to the project, and with the help of other local organisations the trust has already secured at least half the funds needed to acquire the site and begin its transformation next year.

Cdent chairman John Wearmouth said: “We hope that others in the region will follow our lead in giving it their support.”

A local appeal to raise pounds 50,000 has been launched. Details from Sara Lyons on (0151) 734-3730 or email saralyons@woodland- trust.org.uk

(c) 2007 The Journal – Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.