WORK is underway to create a new home for wildlife next to a planned play area.

Around 35 residents planted wetland seedlings on the banks of the stream and looked for signs of water voles at the site in Shadforth, near Durham City.

Members of Durham Wildlife Trust joined residents in helping provide food and shelter for the protected creatures, which make their home in the stream which runs through the site.

The Environment Agency has contributed £15,000 to the creation of the new wildlife area and drainage system, which will improve the land ahead of the building of a new playground for the village.

Coun Brian Stephens, Durham County Council’s cabinet portfolio holder for neighbourhoods and local partnerships, said: "The project would not have been possible without the excellent turn-out from the neighbourhood who braved the rain to plant the wildflower plugs".

He added: "Whether it’s planning, funding or hands on work, as the people of Shadforth demonstrated, working together will help make these schemes successful in providing play facilities that best suit the needs of our local communities."

The play area itself is being refurbished with £35,000 from the council under the Playbuilder programme, £38,000 from the Durham Area Action Partnership and £10,000 each from the neighbourhood budgets allocated to Coun Carol Woods and Coun Maureen Wood.

Existing play facilities will be replaced with new equipment, including a trim trail, roundabout, swings and a play section for younger children. There will also be adult gym equipment to allow for all the family to participate.