GRASSLAND deemed internationally-important by Durham Wildlife Trust (DWT) has been acquired and is to be turned into a nature reserve.

The land, at Herrington Hill, near Houghton-le-Spring, was taken on from a private owner.

The 17-acre site is a magnesian limestone grassland, itself a rare type of habitat, and has been designated as Site of Special Scientific interest (SSSI) by the Government.

Trust reserves manager Mark Richardson said: “It supports plant species, such as blue moor-grass. There are also a wide range of wildflowers including carline thistle, common rock-rose, bird’s-foot trefoil, cowslip, fairy flax and wild thyme.

“The grassland is also rich in insects and meadow brown and common blue butterflies are abundant during the summer months.”