![\"An](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/bbc_us_articles_995\/99879b70a556281d7f608d5017320295.jpeg\"\/)
<\/p>\nA new nature trail created with the help of students has opened in time for summer.<\/p>\n
Secondary school pupils from Sunderland helped write and illustrate signs at Rainton Meadows Nature Reserve in Houghton-le-Spring.<\/p>\n
The project, led by Durham Wildlife Trust and Newcastle University, aimed to show the well-being benefits of time spent in nature while providing young people with opportunities to explore future career paths.<\/p>\n
The Trust’s educational lead, John Hayton, said the panels created by the students encouraged visitors to slow down, listen and “really take in the nature on their doorstep”.<\/p>\n
He said: “Rainton Meadows is a hidden gem in the heart of an industrial landscape, and sometimes people don’t realise just how much life is buzzing, singing and blooming around them.”<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Students helped create new information panels at Rainton Meadows Nature Reserve [Durham Wildlife Trust]<\/p>\n
The students spent time both at the nature reserve and the university, learning about the different habitats on site and about wildlife research.<\/p>\n
They wrote up species descriptions and mindful guidance for visitors, and created watercolour artworks which form the final interpretation panels.<\/p>\n
Project lead Lauren Aspery said she was delighted with the new nature trail.<\/p>\n
She said: “The students thrived throughout this project, absorbing all of the knowledge and advice shared with them.”<\/p>\n
Follow BBC Sunderland on X<\/a>, Facebook<\/a>, Nextdoor<\/a> and Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n More on this topicRelated internet links