A County Durham wood has been declared a Local Nature Reserve, helping to secure its future and use for generations to come.
Durham County Council has secured the declaration for Pelaw Wood, in Durham City, near Gilesgate.
The status will help the authority to protect Pelaw Wood Local Nature Reserve from any future development.
It is also hoped it will help promote the area as somewhere members of the public can enjoy for years to come.
Cllr Mark Wilkes, Cabinet member for neighbourhoods and climate change, said: “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. In doing so, I’m sure they will gain a new-found appreciation of the area while also feeling the benefits to their health and wellbeing of time spent enjoying the outdoors.”
Tony Ewin, 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. I would like to thank the council for its work in securing the designation.”
