CONSERVATION students will be slashing and burning in a bid to maintain and enhance a North-East grassland.

Comprising a partnership between East Durham College and Sunderland City Council, students will be carrying out much-needed management work on the High Hainton Site of Special Scientific Interest at Houghton-le-Spring.

The project is aimed at combating the encroachment of gorse across the important grassland area, which is a haven for wildflowers and insects.

As part of their NVQ Environmental Conservation studies, the students will be cutting back the gorse to open up new areas where the grassland can thrive without the shade of the scrub.

Jonathan Pounder, lecturer of Environmental Conservation at East Durham College, said "The nature of the site means that it requires constant attention, and I am pleased that the students can help out with this task and gain valuable experience for their qualification.

"Although the task is relatively simple the process is very physical and very prickly, but at the end of the day the students can see a real difference in the site; and this difference will take its full effect in the summer when the grassland comes into full bloom."

The NVQ conservation student groups carry out conservation work across the North-East.

For more information contact Jonathan Pounder via email on Jonathan.Pounder@eastdurham.ac.uk.

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