COMMUNITY groups are being urged to take advantage of a scheme which awards grants to help fund their environmental projects.

The appeal comes from the County Durham Environmental Trust (Cdent), which administers landfill tax money.

One of its latest recipients was a project to transform former reservoirs into a nature area at Middleton St George Water Park, near Darlington.

Cdent has awarded £2,500 to further improve the habitat, which supports woodland birds, bees, dragonflies, water voles, mice, squirrels and hedgehogs.

Charlie Chappell, chairman of the volunteers who have done the work, said: "The park's trees and varied habitats are well-liked by wildlife in the area, but we wanted to restore the surrounding ground to improve access for local people who may be walking there."

The ten volunteers have already planted trees and shrubs including mountain ash, oak, prickly pear, flowering cherry and gelder rose, and hope to attract more birds to a series of nesting boxes.

Their plans also include a seating area and information boards for visitors and school groups.

John Wearmouth, chairman of Cdent, said: "We are delighted with what Durham Wildlife Trust and the local group has achieved in this area and hope local people will continue to make use of it.

"This is one of Cdent's small community grant environmental schemes which can fund projects from £500 to £2,500 in Darlington, Durham and Sunderland, and we would like to encourage more projects in the Darlington area to apply for funding."

Cdent has awarded grants worth £4m in the past four years. More information can be obtained on 0191-383 4630