FOUR wildlife areas in Darlington could receive a cash boost after being given protected status.
Maidendale Nature and Fishing Reserve, in Firthmoor, Geneva Wood, Brankin Moor and Rockwell have all been designated Local Nature Reserves.
The status, granted with the permission of English Nature, means that funding can now be sought to improve and develop the sites from a variety of sources.
David Preston, vice-chairman of Maidendale Nature and Fishing Reserve Trust, said: "It's good news and it's good to see a changing of thoughts and ideas as to what a residential estate can be like.
"The new houses being built on Firthmoor are right up close to where the fishing lakes are. It's all helping towards a greener Darlington."
The trust has already secured European funding for the site and is looking for more.
It is hoped that the reserve will be open for fishing late next year or early 2006.
Darlington Borough Council is already responsible for three Local Nature Reserves - The Whinnies, near Middleton St George, Drinkfield Marsh and Brinkburn.
John Buxton, the authority's director for development and environment, said the four new reserves would help the council fulfill its target of having one hectare of Local Nature Reserve to 1,000 people by 2010.
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