A DURHAM wildlife haven will be improved today.

The 40-acre Pelaw Wood, in Gilesgate, will be worked on by its friends group, who hope to have it designated a nature reserve.

The friends, Durham Countryside Rangers and locals will spend the day repairing a footpath and clearing rubbish.

The wood is home to a range of flora and fauna, and the friends plan to carry out an ecological study of the area.

They are hoping volunteers will join them, and will also welcome people who only want to have a look around.

An exhibition of the friends' work will be in the nearby Vane Tempest Hall.

They will be in the wood between 10am and 3pm, and anyone who wants to join in should meet at the hall, in Maynard's Row, at 9.55am.

Free tours of the wood are available throughout the day.

Anyone wanting to help is advised to wear appropriate clothing.