TWO nature reserve schemes are to be developed in Newton Aycliffe to enhance wildlife habitats and open space in the town.

An existing site in the town, Byerley Park Local Nature Reserve, is to be improved with the creation of a grassland sward.

And a new wetlands scheme featuring footpaths and boardwalks will be developed in the Woodham area.

The 0.8-hectare site to be enhanced at Byerley Park has a history of agricultural use, so there are excessive levels of nutrients in the earth.

The area will be deep ploughed so the nutrients sink and in coming years it should return to its natural state, creating better growing conditions for grasses and wildflowers.

It is hoped that the creation of more diverse grassland, which is in decline across the country, will encourage more fauna to the area and support the growth of the declining small heath and small copper butterfly populations.

A grant of £7,500 has been awarded to the scheme by County Durham Environmental Trust.

Countryside officer Tammy Morris-Hale, from Sedgefield Borough Council, said: "We have a fantastic friends group for the reserve who are proactive in making this stretch of green space into something really special.

"We are thrilled to gain funding to improve this reserve both for wildlife and the local community."

Plans are also under way for a 3.62-hectare site called The Moor, in Woodham. It was designated as a nature reserve in 2003, but little work has been done there since.

The borough council has already set aside cash, from the sale of land at Cobblers Hall for housing, towards the scheme.

Hydrobreaks will be installed on surrounding streams to prevent floods due to the extra homes and the water redirected to create wetlands and wildflower marshes.

Mrs Morris-Hale said: "A survey of The Moor area is being carried out now so we can carefully plan the work we do there, which will hopefully start next year.

"It will be a nice site because there will be a combination of wildflower marsh, grassland and hedgerows to support lots of wildlife, especially birds.

"Access will be restricted, for public safety and to prevent disturbing nesting birds, so footpaths and jetties will be created so people can visit."