Volunteers who successfully secured Local Nature Reserve (LNR) status for a city woodland continue to work to ensure use for future generations.

It follows the granting of LNR designation for Pelaw Wood, in Durham, announced in November.

Durham County Council secured the declaration for the 40-acre wood, covering much of the Gilesgate side of the River Wear, opposite the city Racecourse.

The status will help the council to protect the newly officially-titled Pelaw Wood Local Nature Reserve from any future development.

Read more: Work parties making Pelaw Wood in Durham more accessible for visitors

It is also hoped it will help promote the area as somewhere members of the public can enjoy for years to come.  

Councillor Mark Wilkes, the council cabinet member for neighbourhoods and climate change, said: “Pelaw Wood Nature Reserve is a beautiful woodland, and we want to make sure that everyone who lives nearby can make the most of this stunning scenery.

“Home to so many varieties of wildlife, we hope the designation will encourage local schools and residents to spend more time at the nature reserve.

“In doing so, I’m sure they will gain a new-found appreciation of the area while also feeling the benefits to their health and wellbeing of time spent enjoying the outdoors.”

Tony Ewin, chairman of the Friends of Pelaw Wood, said: “It is very gratifying that Pelaw Wood has been designated a Local Nature Reserve.

“This recognises the value accorded to this wood by the people of the neighbourhood.

Read next:

               Volunteers enjoy fresh air and fun in spring clean of woodland

               Friends plan to improve woodland

               Work progressing on Pelaw Wood restoration following major landslip on the banks of the River Wear, Durham

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“I would like to thank the council for its work in securing the designation.”

Members of the friends group stage work parties carrying out clearances and other tasks in the woods on the first Sunday of each month.

They meet by the notice board on St Giles Close, off Gilesgate Green, at 10.30am and usually spend about two hours in the woods, before retreating to the nearby Queen Head pub, at 12.30pm to discuss future tasks and projects.