AN ARMY of volunteers has banded together to bring a piece of the countryside into the heart of urban Derwentside.

Bridge Hill Residents' Association, in Consett, has been working to transform an area of wasteland into a haven for wildlife by planting native trees, wildflowers and shrubs, which will attract small birds and mammals.

Situated between Chaytor Road and The Crescent, the area is about 400 yards long and makes up the rear view for 25 houses.

With £2,400 funding from County Durham Environmental Trust, the group has worked jointly with Home Housing which contributed £7,000 to the project to revamp the area, with help from Groundwork West Durham.

Allan Harley, chairman of the residents' association, said: "The area was originally a space for allotments but had become neglected and only used for bonfires.

"There are a number of places in the area which are suitable for children to play so we transformed this one to enhance the area visually."

A pathway runs through the area which now features oak, wild cherry and birch trees, crocus bulbs, wild roses, broom and blackberry shrubs. It will be maintained by the residents' association and Home Housing.