A FORMER landfill waste site is to be turned into a wildlife haven for people to visit, thanks to a £100,000 environmental grant.

The money for the scheme, at Chapman's Well, near Annfield Plain, Stanley, is coming from the County Durham Environmental Trust (CDENT), which distributes funds from the landfill tax credit scheme.

It will go to a biodiversity project led by Durham County Council Countryside, with Durham Biodiversity Partnership, Groundwork West Durham, Derwentside District Council and the Great North Forest.

The project plans to create and restore habitats, including heathland, acid grassland, neutral grassland, oak and juniper woodland and ponds on more than 583 acres on and around what was a waste disposal site for many years.

Terry Coult, an ecologist for Durham County Council, said: "Through this project, we are hoping to enhance the existing open heath areas of the site, which will encourage more people to visit the area and greatly enhance its biodiversity."

Meanwhile, the Forest of Flowers, a national project co-ordinated by the Woodland Trust, will get £25,000 from CDENT to create wildflower areas at St Bede's and Bright Lea, near Ouston, Hedley Hall and Lottie's Wood, near Sunniside, and Dora's Wood, Lanchester.

At each of these sites, wildflower seeds will be sown, such as lesser knapweed, ribwort plantain, meadows buttercup and ox-eye daisy, to enhance the biodiversity and provide a visually attractive environment for people to visit.

Laura Judson, of Woodland Trust, said: "The Forest of Flowers project is a really exciting partnership for us, and it is fabulous to have the support of CDENT.

"We can't wait to get going with this project.

"Other sites that have been involved to date have produced remarkable results and it would be great to think that we can achieve the same."

CDENT chairman John Wearmouth said: "The projects to receive funding will have a long-lasting positive impact for the region and the people who reside here.

"By supporting schemes like these, we hope to further enhance the region's countryside and beauty, encouraging more people to visit and enjoy all of the wonderful environmental attractions on offer."