PLANS are being drawn up to develop Darlington's newest nature reserve.

Brinkburn Nature Reserve has been an important wildlife area for decades and has recently been designated a Local Nature Reserve by Darlington Borough Council.

The main focus of the two- and-a-half hectare reserve, which is off Darrowby Drive, is Brinkburn Pond, home to waterfowl, toads, frogs and smooth newts.

Also to be found on the site are willow warblers and robins, and wet woodland, an endangered type of habitat identified by the Government as in need of preservation.

Now Philip Roxby, the council's Local Nature Reserves Officer, is working with volunteers to develop an action plan for the site.

He said the official designation as a reserve, approved by English Nature, gave the site extra protection from development and allowed the council to access funding for improvements.

Currently being considered are an island in the middle of the pond, more planting, extra reed beds to clean the water, and increased control of vegetation to further encourage wildlife habitation and allow people to enjoy more of the reserve.

Mr Roxby said: "We are working with something which has already been identified as a nationally important habitat, and we will be seeking to encourage the species and improve the site.

"Becoming a Local Nature Reserve opens up great possibilities. It allows the council to give it a higher priority."

Mr Roxby paid tribute to the volunteers who worked with the council.

Peter Dixon, a volunteer ranger on the site, said: "Everyone we have talked to in the area thinks there has been an improvement."

The site is close to new housing estates and the team hopes that its success will show that development and nature can live side by side.