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COUNCILLORS look set to designate three wildlife spots in East Durham as local nature reserves.

Easington District Council's executive will be recommended on Tuesday to make the designation for the council-owned sites at Gore Burn at Wheatley Hill, Crimdon Dene, and Rockhouse Dene at Seaham.

The move will give the sites protection against development and will lead to the production of conservation plans.

Gore Burn contains a mosaic of woodlands, grazing fields and about one mile of watercourse. Visitor access is currently limited to a single public footpath and a section of reclaimed mineral line known as the Miners Heritage Trail.

The council has secured £48,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund for the Gore Burn Wetland Restoration Project, which is due to be completed in January, and has improved conservation, access and volunteering opportunities.

Crimdon Dene is a large site with ancient semi-natural woodlands, recreational grasslands and part of the Crimdon Burn stream. It has good public access and provides an interesting addition to visits to the Durham Heritage Coast.

Rockhouse Dene is a steep sided dene with woodland, grassland and streamside habitats. The site is in the centre of Seaham and has reasonable public access with educational and recreational potential.

The sites would be the first owned by the district to become Local Nature Reserves although there are already six in the district owned by Durham County Council.

Councillor George Patterson, says in a report: "Declaration will enable the council to draw attention to the nature conservation interest of the sites and will help to deliver the council's own Local Agenda 21 strategy.

"It will make a contribution to regional targets contained within the Durham Biodiversity Action Plan and will maximise opportunities to attract investment to further improve public access and nature conservation.

"All three sites provide extensive opportunities for community volunteering and school educational events.

"Habitat management activities will contribute to the council's performance against the new national indicators for local authorities and local authority partnerships.'' Councillors will also be told that declaring the sites as Local Nature Reserves will commit the council to managing the sites to benefit the nature conservation interest and allow public access.

All three sites have existing public access and it is not anticipated that significant additional infrastructure works will be required.

2:30pm Saturday 5th April 2008

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