A PLANTING day has been held at an environmentally friendly business centre.

Staff from Groundwork West Durham, Derwentside Primary Care Trust and other tenants of The Greenhouse, on Greencroft Industrial Estate, Stanley, put aquatic and marginal plants around the edge of the pond to continue the landscaping works.

The idea is to create a haven for wildlife and a pleasant spot for people to sit.

Reeds, rushes, lilies and water buttercups are some of the plant life that were put in place.

Senior project manager for Groundwork West Durham Kath Ivens said: "The aim of the day was to plant up around the newly created pond. We are trying to create a new habitat so it looks more attractive and attracts more wildlife. It will look nicer for the tenants of The Greenhouse and create a nice spot for the community."

Five trees were planted at the event, which were paid for with a grant from Environment Agency Action Earth 2006.

The Greenhouse is the first of a new type of business centre developed by environmental regeneration charity Groundwork West Durham.

The £4.2m project uses sustainable technologies, including a 32-metre high wind turbine, solar panels and a ground source heat pump.

For information about The Greenhouse, call facility manager Doug Chapman on (01207) 524801.