A WILDLIFE trust has received a massive financial boost after being awarded more than £400,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

The Tees Valley Wildlife Trust will use the cash to develop a new initiative that will involve community groups, volunteers and young people in making the public green places the better for wildlife.

The £425,800 five year Wild Green Places project will work with 20 community wildlife groups across the Tees Valley to carry out nature conservation projects that will create and restore habitats for wildlife on public green places across the Tees Valley.

Jeremy Garside, chief executive of the trust, said: “We are delighted to receive support for this project. With the help of local communities we are going to create and manage sites for wildlife right across the Tees Valley; green places that are going to be accessible and provide new opportunities for everyone.”

There will be a wealth of opportunities to engage local people of all ages to enjoy learn and care for their local wildlife through programmes of walks, family fun days, wildlife surveys, and conservation events.

Training programmes will provide volunteers with skills in wildlife recording and caring for wildlife.

Ivor Crowther, head of the HLF North East, said: “A mosaic of habitats and a wide variety of green spaces – from country parks to allotments – form Tees Valley’s natural heritage and we’re pleased to support the Wildlife Trust as it restores and protects it for future generations to enjoy.

“This is an engaging project which will actively involve the local community, especially young people, as they gain the skills and enthusiasm – vital for the future custodians of our natural heritage.”