A SOUTH African environmental worker has swapped safari adventures for life in Sedgefield, where she will work to protect wildlife.

Tammy Casey is Sedgefield Borough Council's local nature reserve officer and aims to encourage people to get involved in supporting local wildlife.

She hopes residents will help create and develop nature reserves in the borough to increase awareness of nature and wildlife issues.

Last year, five nature reserves were designated, at Ferryhill Carrs, Bishop Middleham community wildlife garden, Castle Eden Walkway, Byerley, in Shildon, and the moor, in Newton Aycliffe.

Ms Casey's tasks are to create community green space and increase awareness of conservation areas and their benefits by working with Friends groups and schools.

She has a degree in geography and environmental management, had a spell in conservation work in Ireland, and has experience in game lodge and reserve management with conservation organisation CcAfrica.

The post is funded by a National Lottery award and administered through English Nature's Wildspace Grant scheme.