FIVE new nature reserves will be designated in Sedgefield borough this month in a project aimed at bringing people and wildlife together.

The idea of the Wildspace Project is to encourage local people to become involved in the creation and development of Local Nature Reserves (LNRs) in the community and use the opportunity to learn about nature and wildlife issues.

Sedgefield Borough Council's local nature reserve officer Deborah Ferguson is responsible for getting people involved and developing the skills and interests necessary to continue caring for the reserves in the future.

Her post is funded by a National Lottery award and administered through English Nature's Wildspace Grant scheme.

Miss Ferguson said: "LNRs

give people a real chance to help improve their local environment and increase awareness of the countryside and wildlife on our doorsteps."

English Nature has already approved the five sites at Ferryhill Carrs, Castle Eden Walkway, Bishop Middleham Community Wildlife Garden, Byerley and The Moor in Newton Aycliffe.

The borough council is organising a launch event for the sites on Wednesday, July 23, at 2pm in the council chambers at Green Lane, Spennymoor.