A BEAUTY spot that supports endangered species has been accepted into a nationwide biodiversity project.

Foxglove Covert Nature Reserve, at Catterick Garrison, has been placed onto the Flagship Pond Project run by the Freshwater Habitats Trust, which is supported by Natural England.

The best of Britain’s priority ponds have been identified as being of critical importance for UK biodiversity due to the threatened species they support.

Foxglove is recognised as being among the best freshwater habitats in the country.

Rebecca Williamson, of the trust, said: “Surveys in the past have shown Foxglove Covert supports some endangered species dependent on clean water ponds, particularly the mud snail, and we would like to protect and enhance the site to ensure such species have a secure future.”

The scheme aims to create a network of local volunteer pond groups at the top 100 key sites nationally.

It will provide water sample surveys, train volunteers and give funding for management activities, pond creation, a captive breeding programme with local schools and links to local experts.

The wetland at Foxglove was created from a boggy area of moorland during the winter of 2008.

A series of pools were dug to provide a habitat for a wide variety of species, including water voles and wading birds to breed.

Sophie Rainer, chairman of the reserve's management group, said: “This project highlights the high value of Foxglove’s ponds for wildlife and will enable better protection and monitoring of this vital habitat.

“Foxglove may be small, but it is definitely on the map where big conservation issues are concerned.”