TODAY, Durham Wildlife Trust looks after 26 nature reserves. But the organisation, then known as the Durham County Conservation Trust, was run by a band of volunteers, caring for seven reserves.

Trust director Jim Cokill said: “Their passion for wildlife enthused the public and today the Trust is supported by thousands of members. We protect some of the North East’s most important wildlife from Gateshead to Darlington.

“Over those first 40 years, the trust and its members have played a key role in tackling the big environmental issues of the day, such as industrial pollution and dumping, and getting legal protection for habitats and species.

“The message that preserving our natural environment is good for people as well as wildlife has also been spread far and wide by our work with schools and young people. Today, we are ready to face an even bigger challenge – how both people and wildlife can adapt to a changing climate.”