Durham Heritage Coast Partnership (DHCP) has produced a virtual map of Hartlepool’s shared coastline.
Official Michael Burn said the partnership will be taking the map into schools and it could be useful for children with autism who had not been to the coast and felt hesitant to visit.
He said: “Showing residents the map has given them a feeling of already being there and connecting with nature has made them want to protect it. The map is an educational tool to make residents proud of the region they live in.”
The map can be seen from either a 25m (82ft) or 100m (328ft) bird’s-eye view.
At the closer range, viewers are given information about current and past conservation work on the land.
Mr Burn added that most people knew about the area’s mining legacy but less was known about the work done to restore the landscape since.
“It’s been a really nice way to celebrate the work we’ve done but it’s also about pulling people in, and I think that’s where it’s going to get the most mileage,” he said. “If people can have that connection to nature, then they want to protect it and then they have a passion for it.”
The 3D virtual map shows the county’s coastline including Crimdon. The DHCP is made up of councils and organisations such as the Durham Wildlife Trust.
Earlier this year, they launched a fundraising appeal to support nature on a “very special” beach on the outskirts of Hartlepool – made famous in the iconic 1970’s movie “Get Carter”, starring British screen legend Michael Caine.
