Plans approved for new wetland bird habitat
Plans have been approved to create a new habitat for wetland birds at a popular nature reserve on Wearside.
Durham Wildlife Trust lodged an application with planning chiefs earlier this year for land at Rainton Meadows Nature Reserve.
Ac c o rd i n g to p l a n n i n g documents, the wider site consists of about 70 hectares supporting a diverse range of habitats including open water and ponds, meadows and woodland.
Under new plans, a new habitat will be constructed connecting to one of the reserve’s main ponds providing a mix of reedbeds and open water areas.
The plans aim to “benefit wetland bird species and other priority species of fauna” as well as creating new opportunities for visitors to enjoy local wildlife. In addition, the proposals include three small areas of hardstanding to provide viewing platforms.
Sunderland City Council’s Planning and Highways (West) Committee considered the application at a digital meeting.
Following discussion, the plans were approved subject to drainage matters which will be finalised by the applicant and planning officers.
The Durham Wildlife Trust Centre at Rainton Meadows is based a short distance away from the site location.
A statement included in the planning application sets out the vision for the project, reads: “The new habitat will directly connect to one of Rainton Meadows best ponds for waders and wildfowl as well as an existing area [of ] reedbed which at present is quite small in size.
“In addition, we will install three hides (with surface paths leading up to them) that will be positioned so to create views of the reedbed and the open water between the stands of reed.”