COUNCILLORS are expected to give the go-ahead tomorrow for a new team of countryside rangers to patrol the nature reserves of Darlington.

The group of volunteers will be asked to provide support to the borough council in preserving and enhancing the town's wildlife and key environmental areas.

Darlington has several nature reserves, but the small size of the council's countryside team has previously meant that staff could not spend as much time on site, checking conditions and talking to enthusiasts.

If approved by the council cabinet, the scheme would see volunteer wardens making weekly tours of nature reserves, checking on footpaths and vegetation, as well as signs of vandalism, alcohol or drugs abuse.

John Buxton, director of development and environment, said: "Volunteer countryside rangers will provide information to members of the public on site, provide information to the countryside team on the condition and health of the nature and will act as a visible presence on sites.

"The volunteer rangers are not seen as enforcers, but more as facilitators for the public.

"Each ranger will undergo a provisional training session from the countryside team prior to commencing duties. The sessions will outline the main health and safety procedures to be adhered to, review the paperwork and reporting mechanisms put in place and also provide opportunities for discussion on other relevant topics or issues."

The authority has run a countryside volunteers group - the Housemartins - in the past, but it had never included wardens to take care of specific sites.

Last month, it was revealed that a bid for £10,000 of National Lottery money was being drawn up to finance a wildlife scheme at Brinkburn Dene. If the bid is successful, vegetation will be improved for animals, including water voles.

Water levels would be managed using weirs to provide deep areas for some species, and a pond would be created.

Trees and shrubs would also be planted at the site and a seating area installed for visiting pupils and families.