VITAL improvements are being planned for a Darlington nature reserve to boost its attraction to anglers.

Environmental charity Groundwork North-East has submitted plans for Maidendale Nature Reserve, near the Firthmoor estate.

Its plans include landscaping work on the edge of the fishing pond to increase water levels and promote angling.

A new community garden will be established for education sessions and to provide more habitats for wildlife.

Dave Preston, secretary of Maidendale Nature and Fishing Reserve Trust, said the pond had suffered from low water levels.

The plans are to excavate parts of the shoreline - areas without vegetation - to allow water levels to rise.

Mr Preston said the original plans did not fully match the reserve's aims, but more money had become available.

He said: "We wanted to bring the pond up to a better standard. A lot of youngsters from the estate like to go to fish. And we get a few adults as well.

"On any day after school or on a weekend, you can find several groups fishing.

"The work is vital for the future of the reserve. We need to get the ponds right to bring in more fishing and make it more sustainable."

Lisa Kwok, from Groundwork, said: "The water levels are quite low. Once we scrape back and excavate some of the soil, we hope that the water will come up to the fishing pond's edges to improve the quality of fishing and more anglers will come to visit the site."

The community garden will provide an outdoor educational area and space for other events.

It will include seats, tables, plants and a walled area.

Miss Kwok said: "We wanted to create a space for the local community to spend time in the nature reserve.

"At the moment there aren't any spaces to do that.

"The community garden will have seating and add an additional centre so some of the rangers can run sessions from there."

Plans have been submitted to Darlington Borough Council. If given approval, much of the work could be carried out by the end of the summer.