FIVE new nature reserves will be designated in North West Durham, through a project aiming to get more people into the countryside.

Karen Fisher, 31, has become the first local nature reserve officer for Derwentside District Council. Her first job will be to seek English Nature's approval for the proposed local nature reserves, which are Kyo Bogs, South Stanley Woods, Harperley Woods, Allensford and West Wood, plus a joint site combining Pontop Fell, Delight Bank and Harelaw Heath.

Miss Fisher said: "I will be leading activities for local groups, to encourage understanding of nature conservation and raise local interest. Local people will be encouraged to help to run these sites."

Her post is being funded with a National Lottery grant, administered through English Nature's Wildspace! grant scheme.

At present, Derwentside has two local nature reserves, Greencroft Heath and Tanfield Lea Marsh, these are jointly owned by the district and county councils.

Once the new sites are approved, Miss Fisher will work with local groups such as Scouts and schools, to improve the use of the areas.

Plans already under way include introducing harvest mice to Tanfield School and Tanfield Lea Infants and Juniors, plus showing pupils owls and kestrels.

Miss Fisher is looking for volunteers to help to improve the sites, either as reserve wardens, who monitor the areas, or rangers, who do more practical conservation management work. Contact Miss Fisher on (01207) 218304.