A COUNTY Durham nature reserve is to reopen after losing hundreds of pounds of revenue during an eight-month closure because of the foot-and-mouth crisis.

Low Barns Nature Reserve at Witton-le-Wear, near Bishop Auckland, closed in February when it was subject to movement restrictions normally imposed on farms.

The nature reserve was given a D notice because of fears that grazing cattle on the site could be infected with the disease.

Now the livestock have been given the all clear and the reserve will open on Saturday, September 22.

Chief executive of Durham Wildlife Trust, Richard Wood, said: "We are delighted to be able to reopen Low Barns after such a long period.

"Foot-and-mouth disease cast a long shadow over the Witton-le-Wear and Tow Law area, and we can now take encouragement from the lifting of the D notice."

The visitor centre could normally expect hundreds of children on school trips to pass through its doors during spring and summer.

The trust estimates that the closure cost hundreds of pounds in revenue from visitors.

Conservationists will also be able to access the reserve to carry out essential maintenance to the habitat.

A strict disinfecting process will be in place for all visitors and dogs must be kept on leads at all time.

The visitor centre will be open between 11am and 4pm. For details telephone 0191-584 3112.