THE decline of some of the region's most threatened wildlife species has been reversed with the help of ten years of National Lottery money, according to figures published today.

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) revealed that £7.3m had been invested in conservation schemes across the North-East, safeguarding such species as the red kite and water vole.

More than 50 wildlife projects have been established in the past decade as a result of the contribution to good causes from lottery tickets.

HLF has spent £1.3m helping organisations create and restore vital habitats, many of which have been threatened by mining and quarrying activity.

The main example of the investment is Prestwick Carr, in Dinnington, Newcastle.

The city council bought the land so that it could be developed to cater for a number of rare and threatened animals.

Bird species such as redshank, lapwing, skylark and partridge, as well as water voles, have now made the area their home.

A further £6m has been ploughed into 43 biodiversity schemes across the region.

Projects include the water vole recovery plan based in Houghton-le-Spring, Wearside, which has trained volunteers to monitor and improve the habitats of the endangered species.

The Pastures for People project, in Durham, has also proved a success in inviting local people to learn about grasslands, as well as preserving wildflowers and butterflies.

Naturalist and broadcaster Chris Packham said: "The catalogues of creatures that have benefited from National Lottery money defy description."

Lottery funding for conservation schemes is said to be more crucial than ever, with a recent HLF survey showing that although most people cared about their natural heritage, less than a third of North-East residents donated regularly to environment or wildlife charities.

HLF regional manager Keith Bartlett said playing the lottery was the only way many people contributed financially to the upkeep of their local environment.

"Lots of people give to wildlife and environment organisations through membership and volunteering, but not everyone can do this so lottery players should be proud of what they have done for the North-East's natural heritage," he said.