Northumberland Wildlife Trust is urging Co-op Members to aid in the restoration of Briarwood Banks nature reserve.

Through the Co-op's Local Community Fund, Co-op Members' purchases of selected own-brand products and services can contribute 1 per cent of what they spend to local initiatives, including the upkeep of this ancient woodland.

Until mid-October 2024, Briarwood Banks, near Bardon Mill, is one of the local causes at the Haydon Bridge store.

However, members anywhere in the country can support this effort by making a selection on the Co-op website.

Briarwood Banks is celebrated for being home to an array of flora and fauna, such as wild garlic, woodruff, and dog’s mercury.

It also plays host to less common species and regional rarities.

Visitors to the woodland may be able to spot red squirrels, roe deer, great spotted woodpeckers, and pied flycatchers.

Co-op Members can help the wildlife charity to restore the semi-natural ancient woodland and provide suitable habitat for rare species, including dormice, which have made neighbouring woodland their most northerly location in the UK.

Jennifer Care, Estates Officer at Northumberland Wildlife Trust said: “The Co-op’s Local Community Fund is a great opportunity for Co-op Members to help Briarwood Banks nature reserve at no cost to them!

"Any money we receive will go towards looking after this beautiful site and making it even better for wildlife. So please visit www.membership.coop.co.uk/causes/81260 and make us your cause.”