A rallying cry has gone out for amateur conservationists to help give an East Durham beauty spot a spring clean.
The Friends of Hazel Dene are organising a series of clean up days at the Seaham site and are appealing for volunteers to lend a hand.
The group, made up of local residents, is working to improve the appearance of the woodland area and members are keen to encourage more people to get involved.
Bob Blair, spokesman for the Friends of Hazel Dene, said: “We believe it’s not just the duty of the council to keep the dene tidy. It’s about local responsibility as well.
“Our first tidy up a decade ago attracted more than 150 people and with plenty of work still to do we’re hoping this year’s work days will be just as successful.”
The clean up days, which are scheduled for May 17, 18 and 21, are carried out on a yearly basis.
During previous events, volunteers have removed a wide variety of abandoned items from the dene, including televisions, wardrobes, beds and even half a car.
Even a low-key event last year saw the collection of a skip-full of rubbish and dozens of bottles and cans.
In addition to the annual blitz, the friends have also carried out a number of improvements at the site, which is adjacent to the Welfare Park.
New steps have been installed and the pathway has been widened to provide easier access.
A patch of land has been cleared to allow the creation of a flower meadow and last year the group planted more than a thousand new trees.
The friends have compiled a list of 160 different tasks to tackle during the Work Days including removing and sweeping up litter and rubbish, removing weeds and raking loose grass and painting posts and fences.
Volunteers are needed from 10am to 4pm and are asked to meet at the Green Drive Gates.
Leaflets providing further information about the events are being posted out to local residents, who are also being asked to contribute to the clean up fund if they cannot spare the time to take part themselves.
For more information on the Work Days or about the Friends of Hazel Dene call (0191) 581 2943.
News article created on the 07 May 2008