NATURE lovers have been given an easy access route to enjoy one of the region's last remaining stretches of wilderness.

Yesterday, television botanist David Bellamy opened a new path to the Teesmouth National Nature Reserve.

The 800 metre Seal Sands Easy Access Path means visitors will no longer have to tackle steep slopes, rough terrain and poor markings to reach the Tees Estuary's last remaining stretch of watery wilderness.

Professor Bellamy said: "Access to nature and wild places is vitally important for everyone, not just the youthful and energetic. I hope the new path will encourage more visitors to experience this unique National Nature Reserve."

The new, specially-surfaced path has ramps and wheelchair-friendly kissing gates, as well as sections of fencing .

Once at the nature reserve, visitors can enjoy stunning views and will have access to hides where they can watch ducks and waders feeding on mudflats.

Last year proved to be one of the best yet for the once extinct Tees Estuary seals, which officials hopes will make an appearance again this year.

The new path was funded thanks to a unique partnership between the community and industry with money from various companies, and benches made by the students at Hartlepool College of Further Education.

English Nature's site manager, Mike Leakey, said: "For some time the shortcomings of visitor access to our hides at Seal Sands have been clear.

"Now, through the combined efforts of industry and the local community, the problems have been solved and everyone can enjoy this special wildlife site."

Teesmouth National Nature Reserve, which covers 350 hectares, includes extensive areas used by internationally important populations of migrating birds, such as knot and redshank.