AN environmental programme launched by a County Durham company is starting to prove a success with an increase in wildlife on its site.

3M created an area known as the Centenary Field next to its plant in Heighington Lane, Newton Aycliffe, in 2002, to celebrate its 100-year link with the town.

Children from nearby Heighington CE Primary School researched the history of the site, which is 150 yards long and 50 yards wide, and a time capsule was planted, as well as a small number of trees.

Recently, a further 1,000 trees were added and the field, previously used for grazing and hay-cropping, is being maintained as a wild area by staff from 3M, which makes respiratory protection and vehicle paint care products at Newton Aycliffe.

Key people in the team which has developed the initiative have been security supervisor Martyn Harvey, who is responsible for the environment on site, engineer and technologist Alan Wayper and engineer Paul Dobson.

The company has also worked with Durham Wildlife Trust, of which it is a corporate member.

One of the trust's aims is to encourage tree planting, and 3M has planted traditional native species including oak, rowan, and birch, as well as some fir trees at Centenary Field.

Ten bird boxes and five bat boxes have also been erected, with some being used by small birds. The number of bird species recorded on site has reached 38.

Mr Dobson said: "This work is in addition to the company's work to minimise waste and energy use and is part of our aim to be a good neighbour.

"If we had left the field as grassland, there would not be much wildlife but we have helped wildlife by planting trees and encouraging other species of plant."

Mr Harvey said working with children had been important and the company recently ran an environmental competition for local schools, won by Stephenson Way Primary, in Newton Aycliffe.

He said children were being encouraged to learn more about the environment through their links with the company.

Mr Harvey said: "One of our objectives is to develop good links with the local community, and there is an educational side to what we are doing.

"We want to be ethically correct, and we want to help enhance and improve the environment for future generations."

Mark James, marketing and development officer for Durham Wildlife Trust, said: "3M is one of our most supportive corporate members, regularly sponsoring projects and responding to our appeals. It is both unsurprising and very encouraging to see that they have undertaken a project such as this. Their effort shows that, regardless of the urban or industrial setting, work can be done to benefit wildlife."

Published: 16/08/2005