A PARKLAND which was once branded a no-go area celebrates a transformation later this month when it opens as a nature reserve.

Hylton Dene, in Sunderland, is surrounded by the housing estates of Town End Farm, Castleton, Red House and Hylton Castle.

In the past, it has suffered from vandalism, burned-out cars, tipping and anti-social behaviour.

But a partnership between Durham Wildlife Trust, Sunderland City Council and the Riverside Training Agency has turned it into an area the city can be proud of.

The 200-acre site, with its historic castle, has been rejuvenated with a play park, formal gardens, improved paths network, restored fishing lake, pond and Friends organisation. Its woodland, scrub, wetlands and grassland habitats are already used regularly by visiting school groups.

On Wednesday, September 24, it will be launched as a local nature reserve (LNR) by the city council along with Fulwell Quarry, Tunstall Hills and Hetton Bogs.

It becomes only the second LNR in Sunderland, joining Barmston Pond.

An officer will be appointed to run the reserves, under English Nature's Wildspace programme.

The wildlife trust's Ian Graham, who is based at the dene, said the nature reserve designation would help raise funding from more sources.

He said: "It was once a no-go area but now it is back on the map. It is right in the heart of Sunderland and is a fantastic place for wildlife and for people to enjoy leisure pursuits, walk the dog or birdwatch."

It is the second new nature reserve to be announced in thearea recently. South Tyneside Borough Council launched an LNR at Whitburn Point, part of a three-year project, funded by South Tyneside Council and the Wildspace programme.