A LARGE grant has been awarded to help preserve and protect a significant chunk of the North-East which is rich in flora and fauna.

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has awarded £1.9m to the Limestone Landscapes Partnership for a three-year project starting this spring.

The target area is the Durham Magnesian Limestone, which runs along the coast from Hartlepool to South Shields, in South Tyneside, and forms a triangle of land ending around Newton Aycliffe, in County Durham.

The 44,000ha site accounts for almost two-thirds of Britain’s magnesian limestone grassland and contains 94 scarce and 14 rare species and plants.

The project aims to restore a number of key sites, with particular emphasis on conserving pre-1919 houses, and will create five jobs.

Durham County Council’s limestone landscapes development officer, Ken Bradshaw, said: “This programme of work will bring about a series of improvements to the landscape that will help communities across the area better understand, enjoy and care for this vital part of our heritage.

“The grant will help improve many natural habitats, providing a boost for a wealth of wildlife, including species such as the Durham Argus butterfly and glow worm, associated with the limestone grasslands.”

Mr Bradshaw added: “As well as opportunities to be involved through education and training events, the annual Limestone Festival will take place at a number of sites in mid-June every year.”

As well as Durham County Council, the partnership includes local authorities in South Tyneside, Sunderland, Hartlepool and Darlington.

Community representatives, Natural England, Groundwork North East, Durham Wildlife Trust, the Archaeology and Architectural Society of Durham and Northumberland are also taking part.

Head of the HLF in the North- East, Ivor Crowther, said: “The restoration of this unique landscape will have a significant impact on the people that live within the area, as well as the varied animal and plant species.”

For more information, visit limestonelandscapes.info