BOTANIST David Bellamy will herald the hard work of conservation students developing a new wildlife haven on Sunday.

The well-known conservationist is special guest at an open day at the Houghall college campus, on the outskirts of Durham.

During the visit to what is East Durham College’s agriculture and horticulture site, the familiar broadcaster will officially open Houghall Wetland Project.

It was funded by a grant from the SITA environmental trust’s Greenprints fund and implemented through the efforts of the college’s conservation students. Dr Bellamy, a former Durham University lecturer, will touring the site before performing the official opening ceremony.

The wetland project forms an extension to the Houghall Discovery Trail, a popular walking route for ramblers across the North-East.

It has so far seen the new wetland and wildlife area developed with a new 300-metre section of footpath, a ‘dipping’ platform and two newly created ponds.

Improvements to the wetland area have seen wildflower, reedbed and tree planting.

College lecturer Peter Whitfield said: "It’s marvellous that David Bellamy has agreed to come and celebrate the hard work of the students.

"It’s to their credit that this project has been so successful."

* The public is encouraged to see for themselves the new developments Sunday's (May 17) open day, from 10am - 4pm, with only a £1 parking charge.

Houghall is off the A177, between Durham and Shincliffe Village, opposite Durham University’s Graham Sports Centre, at Maiden Castle.