WILDLIFE campaigners are looking for pond sites to transform into havens for rare species.
Tees Valley Wildlife Trust (TVWT) has enough funding for five ponds across Stockton, Hartlepool, Redcar and Cleveland and Middlesbrough.
The group is hoping to build on the work it has already carried out at sites including Coatham Marsh, Redcar, and the Northumbrian Water site in Billingham.
Steve Ashton, of TVWT, said: "We still have funding available for the creation of five ponds. The location of these new ponds must have species present in the area that are important for biodiversity, such as toads or great crested newts, or provide an important link up between existing ponds, allowing wildlife to spread out between these networks.
"Sadly, we cannot fund the creation of ponds that would be stocked with fish or those in gardens or schools. Sites eligible for funding must be created by March and we have a team available to do the digging."
More information about the scheme can be found at teesvalleybiodiversity.org.uk/pondscape Anyone with potential sites can contact either Steve Ashton or Rachel Jackson on 01287-636382.
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