WORK starts later this month making “essential repairs” to the sewerage network covering a nature reserve on the North-East coast.

Northumbrian Water’s work at Castle Eden Dene, near Peterlee, will involve replacing existing pipe work, which has fallen into disrepair.

It is feared that unless the work is carried out there is a risk of pollution seeping into Castle Eden Burn, which runs through the dene.

Contractors for Northumbrian Water will carry out work to protect and retain existing native woodland.

The water company is working with Natural England, which owns and manages the reserve, and is using its own conservation team.

The project starts on Monday, September 12, and is scheduled to run until next May.

Some of the work will require the removal of trees, including non-native conifers planted in the reserve in the 1970s.

The company said work is planned to “maximise benefits” for wildlife, including songbird species such as the long-tailed tit and chiff-chaff, plus invertebrates like the rare dingy skipper, by reshaping the natural environment.

But it will require the creation of site entrances and exits from Durham Way to access the land on the north side of the dene.

Both Northumbrian Water and Natural England have pledged to restore the affected land, once the work is completed.

Sean Barry, who is managing the scheme for Northumbrian Water, said: “This project will help to protect the dene, and the burn which runs through it, from future risks of pollution.

“As someone who grew up in the area and still lives close to the dene, I know how important the conservation of the site is to residents and visitors.

“So, while this is a delicate project, it will be handled with care and I look forward to leaving the dene ready for the return and resurgence of its natural species.”

Chris Evans, senior reserve manager for Natural England, said: “We will be working closely with the Northumbrian Water team and are confident there will be real benefits for wildlife on the site, once works are complete.”

An online community link, via www.nwlcommunityportal.co.uk, will allow people to keep up to date with the progress of the scheme.

The reserve covers about 550-acres of woodland and lowland grassland, and features spectacular limestone cliffs and gorges.