CONSERVATIONISTS helping to improve rights of way and wildlife habitats in an old stretch of woodland meet monthly to carry out their voluntary work.

The Friends of Pelaw Wood set themselves monthly tasks to make the medieval woodland, covering about 32 acres on the north bank of the River Wear, between Gilesgate and Old Durham Gardens, in Durham, more accessible to the public.

Their task was hindered with two landslips due to excessive rainfall in recent winters.

Durham County Council is in the throes of carrying out re-instatement work, with contractors shoring up the bank sides in the hope of reopening all footpaths through the woods and full access to Old Durham Gardens, at some stage during the summer.

In the meantime, the friends group continues to meet on the first Sunday of each month to perform work in other parts of the woods.

Anyone willing to roll their sleeves up and help with some of the projects is welcome to meet in St Giles Close, Gilesgate, DH1 1XH, on Sunday June 5, at 10am.

Further details are available on www.pelaw-wood.org.uk