WORK has begun at Faverdale on the creation of Darlington's first new park in 100 years.
RPS, an independent environmental consultancy group in Durham, has been commissioned by Bussey and Armstrong to design the 13.5 hectares biodiversity park.
It is part of the redevelopment of the former Darchem site.
The park will house several species indigenous to the area, including the water vole and dingy skipper butterfly.
Mayda Henderson from RPS said: "The aim is to create a number of native woodland, meadow and grassland habitats that at the same time will serve the recreational needs of the local population".
RPS and Bussey and Armstrong have worked with Darlington Borough Council, Tees Forest and a number of agencies and organisations to ensure the success of the park.
Programmes have been set up to provide the local community with a sense of ownership of the park.
Tony Cooper from Bussey and Armstrong said: "We want to encourage the people who are going to use the park to have an investment in its future by getting involved in its design from day one".
Once completed the park will be managed by Darlington Borough Council.
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