Copt Hill greenspace enhanced thanks to community project

A valued greenspace at Copt Hill has received significant improvements thanks to a £22,314 grant from Sunderland City Council's Coalfield Area Committee. The project, led by Durham Wildlife Trust and supported by Springboard Adventures and volunteers, aimed to celebrate and protect the site's unique heritage and rich wildlife.

The programme has included repainting and cleaning seven benches and a picnic table, cutting back vegetation to open up entrances, and improving surfacing around seating areas and footpaths. Two new interpretation panels now share the story of Copt Hill's wildlife and history, complemented by a new entrance sign and finger posts to help visitors navigate the site.

These improvements build on wider work delivered through the Links with Nature project, which has introduced new footpaths, habitat management, and tree and hedge planting to protect and enhance the site's natural environment. Links with Nature is supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Sunderland City Council, Northumbrian Water and Northumbrian Water's Blue Spaces Programme.

Councillor Mel Speding, Chair of the Coalfield Area Committee at Sunderland City Council, said: "Copt Hill is a special place for local people and for our city's heritage and wildlife. We're proud to support these improvements, which help make the site more welcoming, better protected and even more enjoyable for everyone."

The Coalfield Area Committee is one of the five area committees across Sunderland. Made up of local councillors, these provide residents with a greater say by working closely with their communities and drawing on local knowledge to identify priorities for their area. They also create Area Plans to support the City Plan, focusing on local needs. These plans help fund and deliver projects in partnership with local voluntary and community sector organisations.

Copt Hill is an important local greenspace, valued by residents for dog walking, relaxing and enjoying views over the surrounding landscape. Its limestone grassland supports over 70 species of wildflowers, including orchids, bird's-foot trefoil and meadow cranesbill. The scrub and grassland habitats provide further biodiversity.

Links with Nature Project Manager, Anne Gladwin, said: "The additional funding from the Area Committee has made a real difference to Copt Hill. The improvements that have taken place will encourage more local residents to use and enjoy this wonderful place, to experience the meadows, see wildlife, enjoy the views and discover local heritage close to where they live. Local people are encouraged to get involved in the work being done by the Links with Nature project, which will continue over the next 12 months.  Details can be found on the project Facebook page or on posters displayed at the locations we are working in."

The site is also historically significant, featuring a scheduled ancient monument: the ancient burial mound known locally as the Seven Sisters. The Stephenson Trail, a popular long-distance walking route, runs alongside the site, adding to its local heritage value.

For more information about visiting Copt Hill visit: Copt Hill - MySunderland