A PROJECT is bringing the history of former pit villages to life for walkers and wildlife-lovers.

Later this year, people following a three-mile circular path through the countryside between Quarrington Hill, Bowburn and Cassop, near Durham, will get a vivid introduction to the area thanks to a CD that will highlight features of interest.

It is being produced as part of a project by Durham City Arts to create a sensory trail that will guide walkers and cyclists through the history of the places they pass.

The area, with its history of coalmining and quarrying, is part of the country's magnesian limestone escarpment, and it is being developed to cater for the growing number of walkers.

The area features the Crow Trees Nature Reserve, near Quarrington Hill, which includes the site of a 19th Century coalmine, as well as a rich variety of wildlife.

The sensory trail is being created by visual artist Beth Davidson, who wants the audio guide to include the sounds of mining as well as residents' memories so visitors can get a better insight into the past.

It will be used in conjunction with a map and should be completed by the summer.

Residents of all ages are being urged to get involved and learn skills such as digital photography while producing material for the guide.

She said: "We are wanting to bring the two contrasting environments of the serene nature reserve with the boom of heavy industry to walkers who use the route.

"I want the people who remember the sounds and feelings of the industries to come and tell me about it."

Former miner and factory worker Billy Jones, 68, who has lived in Quarrington Hill all his life, is one of the residents whose memories and local knowledge are being utilised in the project.

Mr Jones, a member of the village's local history group, said he believed the project will help attract people to the area to enjoy the countryside and the wildlife and could give a boost to a community that has lost many facilities over the years.

He said: "There is a lot of interest in the project in the village. We are trying to get more older people to give their memories and recollections, but as soon as you put a microphone in front of them, they become a bit shy.

"It is a popular area for walking in. We have had trouble with motorbikes and quad bikes in the past, but it seems as if it has settled down now.

"The project is really good for the village. A lot of people visit the churchyard now that it has been cleared up and people can get in, and we have the kids helping with the pond and installing bird boxes. We have also got a grant to put up interpretation boards."

Anyone who wants to get involved with the project, which organises workshops on particular aspects such as photography, can get information from Ms Davidson at Durham City Arts on 0191-301 8245.