FORMER colliery land is to be transformed into a nature reserve thanks to funding from landfill tax credit scheme.

The County Durham Environmental Trust (CDENT) is giving £45,000 to the Five Villages Waste to Wildlife Project to buy 34 acres near Quarrington Hill.

The project began three years ago with £225,000 from CDENT to restore land around Coxhoe, Kelloe, Cassop, Bowburn and Quarrington Hill, through environmental improvements such as the creation of nature reserves, wildlife havens, footpaths and cycleways.

Part of the Quarrington Hill site has been identified by English Nature as a Site of Specific Scientific Interest.

It is a prime example of magnesian limestone grassland and contains important species including orchids, blue moor grass and the Durham Argus butterfly.

Five Villages project officer Jennie Garrod said: "Quarrington Hill is home to a rich and distinctive group of plants and animals from the grasshopper warbler to the green woodpecker.

"Since the closure of the colliery the land has been neglected, but this funding will help to revive the area, creating an important sanctuary for local wildlife.

"We are currently drafting a management plan for the site and hope to begin work to restore the wetlands as soon as possible.

"We are hopeful English Nature will grant the site Local Nature Reserve status, which will ensure the long-term future of the area and the wildlife based there."

The scheme includes restoration of wetland marshes that used to exist on the site and would be home to the Great Crested Newt, birds and amphibians.

Rockrose will be planted in a bid to increase the numbers of Durham Argus butterflies.

When the work is finished a network of trails and cycle paths will connect it to other sites in the Five Villages project area.

CDENT chairman John Wearmouth said: "Waste to Wildlife demonstrates what can be achieved by environmental regeneration.

"The project is working to establish a lasting legacy for the local environment by creating a safe haven for local wildlife that not only protects endangered species but unites local communities through a network of trails and cycle paths.