THE planting of 46,000 trees and shrubs to create a country park has been completed.

The woodland area in Darlington's West Park development will make up part of a biodiversity park.

The former Darchem works site now provides a home to plant species including black poplar, downy birch, bramble and buckthorn.

Later in the year, 31,000 square metres of the park will be seeded with native wildflowers.

Mayda Henderson, of Durham landscapers RPS, said: "We have designed the parkland to incorporate habitats for several protected species indigenous to the area, including water vole and the dingy skipper butterfly, as well as providing for people to enjoy the site for recreation.

"We are also working on more ornamental planting schemes, again with native species, for the entrances to the site and on the planting by the river, creating a natural boundary between the housing and the park."

Tony Cooper, of developer Bussey and Armstrong, said: "The site is really starting to take shape.

"The biodiversity park, which includes footpaths and cycleways, will be fully completed in 2005 and then will be handed over to Darlington Borough Council to manage with the local community."

The West Park development will also include 700 houses, a hospital, school and community village.