Fun day launch to encourage green thinking

A new Greenstart project is linking environmental agency Groundwork West Durham with Sure Start initiatives in the Wear Valley, Stanley and Chester-le-Street areas.

Launched with a fun day at Craghead today, it will encourage parents of children under the age of four to get involved in outdoor activities.

With 300 families linked to each Sure Start scheme, it could reach thousands of youngsters in its target areas.

As well as improving children's health, Greenstart aims to help them learn new skills and to learn about the natural environment, as well as forging links between their local parks and countryside.

Ideas for the project are coming from the families themselves and could include setting up children's allotments, discovery trails, children's woodlands and turning derelict open spaces into adventure and play parks.

Debbie Ingoldsby, Greenstart co-ordinator at Groundwork West Durham, said: "Families will have a say in what activities and projects will be developed and they will be designed to meet their needs and those of their children.

"We are currently undertaking research and developing new project ideas. Everyone involved is enthusiastic and keen for the programme to really get under way."

Greenstart is a pilot project funded by the Countryside Agency's React programme and developed in partnership wtih Greening for Growth, Groundwork and Sure Start.

* A scheme to link the community and conservation is being piloted in Chester-le-Street.

The project, funded by English Nature and Chester-le-Street District Council, involves setting up community environment groups and involving residents in conserving wildlife and wildlife habitats.

The council has appointed James Cokill to oversee the scheme.

He will be based with the Durham Bio-diversity Partnership at Durham Wildlife Trust headquarters, at Rainton Meadows, near Houghton-le-Spring. Groups wishing to discuss ideas can contact him on 0191-584 3112.