New nature trail created with help of students
Durham Wildlife TrustA new nature trail created with the help of students has opened in time for summer.
Secondary school pupils from Sunderland helped write and illustrate signs at Rainton Meadows Nature Reserve in Houghton-le-Spring.
The project, led by Durham Wildlife Trust and Newcastle University, aimed to show the well-being benefits of time spent in nature while providing young people with opportunities to explore future career paths.
The Trust's educational lead, John Hayton, said the panels created by the students encouraged visitors to slow down, listen and "really take in the nature on their doorstep".
He said: "Rainton Meadows is a hidden gem in the heart of an industrial landscape, and sometimes people don't realise just how much life is buzzing, singing and blooming around them."
Durham Wildlife TrustThe students spent time both at the nature reserve and the university, learning about the different habitats on site and about wildlife research.
They wrote up species descriptions and mindful guidance for visitors, and created watercolour artworks which form the final interpretation panels.
Project lead Lauren Aspery said she was delighted with the new nature trail.
She said: "The students thrived throughout this project, absorbing all of the knowledge and advice shared with them."