COMMUNITY campaigners turned back the clock to launch a conservation project for the new millennium.
A medieval festival marked the opening of a five-acre wildlife and nature reserve in Shildon, which has been funded with £140,000 from agencies including Durham County Environmental Trust.
Richard Burge, chief executive of the Countryside Alliance, performed the opening ceremony outside St John's Church on Saturday, while vicar Raymond Cuthbertson blessed the land.
Theatre group Jack Drum Arts performed in the town square. They had worked with children from the town's three primary schools to create a 20ft Green Man.
Councillor Mike Hardy, the project's vice-chairman, said the event marked the end of a three-year dream
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