Rare ants get their own suntraps

The ants need regular bursts of constant heat

Wildlife experts have created special areas where a rare species of ant can relax and sunbathe.

Parts of a County Durham forest are being altered so the threatened northern hairy wood ant can bask in the sunshine.

The Forestry Commission has created 20 suntraps so the ant - Britain's largest - can "catch some rays".

The warmth-loving ant has its own bio-diversity plan and is struggling to survive in the North East.

Areas of the 5,000-acre Hamsterley Forest, near Bishop Auckland in County Durham, have been slightly changed to create south-facing alcoves.

'Healthy population'

The areas have been cleared of fast-growing conifers so the animals can access direct sunlight.

Forester Mark Herbertson said: "Wood ants need to keep nests at a stable temperature and restoring their view of the sun will allow them to build bigger nests and maintain a healthy population.

"The work will produce a real dividend for the ants."

The sun traps were suggested by ex-forester Gordon Simpson, of West Auckland, who now works for the Forestry Commission as a wildlife consultant.

He said: "Wood ants have an important part to play in a healthy environment.

"They are impressive insects, up to a centimetre long, with black and red markings. The fact that they are restricted to just a handful of locations in the north-east of England makes Hamsterley's colony very precious."

Wood ants live in colonies which can number up to 500,000.