PLANS have been unveiled to transform the site of the last coal mine to close in County Durham into a nature reserve.

Mining leaders have welcomed the proposals for the former Easington Colliery pit, saying they hope it marks the beginning of the regeneration of the community as a whole.

The former colliery – on the outskirts of the village towards the coast – closed in 1993 and the site was landscaped for wildlife and recreation six years later.

Now, proposals have been unveiled to declare the land, which is owned by Durham County Council, as a Local Nature Reserve to help protect the site for future generations.

Neil Foster, the council’s cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: “Local Nature Reserves (LNRs) are a great place for families to enjoy and to interact with the natural environment.

“By formally declaring the site as a nature reserve we would be protecting it in the long-term and providing an accessible recreational facility in Easington as well as allowing local groups to help offer environmental learning and health-based events for the whole community.”

The site boasts a high conservation value, containing species such as the common toad, skylark and dingy skipper butterfly. It also features many different types of habitats including woodland, ponds and lowland meadow.

As well as highlighting the area’s natural qualities, confirming the site as a LNR will also help attract future funding to further improve public access and nature conservation.

Cllr Angela Surtees, member of Easington Regeneration Partnership, said: "Local people are very proud of the area and they welcome this. It will enhance our area and increase tourism.

“It will be the start of a regeneration programme for Easington.

Durham Miners’ Association chairman Alan Cummings said: “I wish the pit was still there, but it is not.

“If some kind of country park could be put there, bearing in mind the success of Herrington Park (on the former colliery on Wearside) I have no objection to that.

“Anything that would make that site better for people to come.

"I hope that it will be the first phase of the regeneration of Easington."

The proposal is due to go before members of Durham County Council’s Cabinet on Wednesday, October 15.

It has also been welcomed and backed by Natural England.