Carried out by Bedlington based W L Straughan & Son Ltd, the improvements were made possible thanks to support from the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (via the Voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) projects Capital Grants Programme).

A new extended path has been installed in the South Wood as part of the wildlife charity’s plans to improve accessibility around the site for wheelchairs, prams and buggies.

The wood, which is on a former opencast mine shelter belt, largely comprises pine and alder trees and is home to red squirrels, birds and barns owls that hunt in the adjacent fields.

Speaking about the access improvements, Alex Lister, Northumberland Wildlife Trust’s Druridge Bay Landscape Manager said: “The cash boost from the North East Local Enterprise Partnership is brilliant as it has enabled us to make our reserve even more accessible to members of the public at a time when more and more people are getting out and experiencing nature.

“It’s home to our red squirrels which is a great reason why people should come up and see the reserve and completed work for themselves.”

Helen Golightly OBE, Chief Executive at the North East Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “Places like Hauxley nature reserve are so important to our region. They're not only a valuable asset for the people who live here, but they also play a part in making the North East an attractive place for people to visit and invest in. Through our Local Growth Fund VCSE Capital Grant programme, we are supporting a wide range of projects like this which will play a role in the North East’s green economic recovery from the COVID pandemic.”