A Northumberland nature charity has been awarded £750,000 to restore habitats and enhance biodiversity across three of its reserves, creating new employment opportunities.

Northumberland Wildlife Trust says the money awarded from Defra’s Species Survival Fund and the National Lottery Heritage Trust, will go towards restoring habitats, enhancing biodiversity and improving public access to its Druridge Bay reserves at Hauxley, West Chevington and East Chevington.

Enhancement plans include improving reed beds and restructuring woodland areas at East Chevington, as well as converting arable fields into grassland and realigning watercourses to improve downstream water quality. With both footpaths and bridleways to be reopened and upgraded to improve public accessibility.

The Trust is also looking to establish new facilities at the Hauxley Reserve, including a new wildlife hide, live wildlife cameras and a new meadow to enhance visitor engagement. The team at Hauxley Wildlife Discovery Centre will oversee the project.

Catherine Kirkham, Northumberland Wildlife Trust fundraising manager says the charity’s partners, Northumberland Zoo will also “benefit from a new watching hide” which she goes on to say will also “open a whole new world to members of the public.”

Environment minister, Rebecca Pow adds that “only by creating bigger and better habitats for wildlife will we be able to halt the alarming decline in species loss.”

Adding that the fund will be a “key plank” in achieving the government’s “legally binding targets to halt species loss and protect 30% of land for nature by 2030.”