A COMMUNITY wildspace project has been launched to help people enjoy the greenery around them.

The project centres on Sunderland's five nature reserves: Barmston Pond; the newly-designated Fulwell Quarry; Hetton Bogs; Hylton Dene and Tunstall Hills and is designed to encourage greater community involvement in their care.

It is been overseen by Sandra Dobigny, who has a PhD in environment and geography and is based with Sunderland Council's countryside team.

She said: "We want people living near each reserve to feel a real sense of ownership, and see them as a place not only where they can relax, but also learn more about local wildlife and countryside skills."

Funded by English Nature and the New Opportunities Fund, the project is part of the national £125m Green Spaces and Sustainable Communities programme which aims to promote green spaces and their role as an educational, recreational and environmental asset.

The next step will be to establish a support group and conservation volunteer groups to manage and upkeep the reserves. The project will also work with schools and youth groups.

There will be a meeting at Tunstall Hills nature reserve, off Leechmere Road, on Saturday, October 18, between 11am and 3pm, where people can learn more about becoming involved.