(Image: GSC GRAYS)
A County Durham nature reserve is up for sale, with an asking price of £700,000.
Escomb Nature Reserve, near Bishop Auckland, covers 66 acres and includes two lakes within a wetland setting.
The lakes cover approximately 10 acres and 2.6 acres respectively.
A historic village, Escomb is home to one of the oldest churches in the country.
Following the River Wear corridor, its wildlife habitat supports kingfisher, barn owl, buzzard, dipper and otter.
The listing, with property agency GSC Grays says the land could have potential for leisure, eco-tourism or strategic development, subject to the necessary consents.
Katherine Wigham, an GSC Grays said: "Alongside its environmental value, the reserve also offers potential for appropriate future diversification, including leisure and eco-tourism opportunities, subject to the necessary consents.”
Possible uses include nature and wildlife trails, educational or outdoor learning facilities, and conservation projects.
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Other suggestions include eco-tourism or glamping, wellness retreats, birdwatching hides and fishing opportunities.
Community environmental enterprises are also identified as a possible use.
Areas nearer the existing settlement boundary may offer scope for sensitively designed residential development, although these proposals would require the relevant permissions.