Houghton and Sunderland South MP Bridget Phillipson has visited Joe’s Pond Nature Reserve at Rainton Meadows with pupils from East Rainton Primary School to unveil a new boardwalk.

The new walk will help visitors enjoy Joe’s Pond, which is a site of Special Scientific Interest. Funding of £14,000 from Cummins Engineering enabled Durham Wildlife Trust, who manage the reserve, to carry out the improvements with the help of volunteers.

Commenting on the improvement work, Bridget Phillipson MP said:

“Joe’s Pond Nature Reserve is a beautiful part of our community. I was delighted to visit and officially open the new boardwalk.

“This new development offers a wheelchair and pushchair-friendly route around Joe’s Pond and makes the site more accessible. Joe’s Pond is already very popular, but I would encourage as many local people as possible to visit and support the work of Durham Wildlife Trust.”