WILDLIFE lovers will soon be able to enjoy a leisurely stroll through woodland in Baxenden once again after funding to improve 'dangerous' pathways was secured.

The Baxenden Community Forum has been given £15,000 to surface the paths through Hollins Wood, making them safer for dog walkers and nature fans.

Sheila McVan, who has been forum secretary since the group was formed in 1996, said: "The forum noticed that it has become increasingly muddy and dangerous over the past few years and so decided to apply for funding.

"The work will be starting very soon and we want to make sure people know what is going on. When the work is complete we will be having an official launch and hope to hold an organised walk led by the Hyndburn trees and woodland officer."

The popular woodland was first created years ago, and the trees have since developed into a mature woodland.

It provides access to Woodnook Vale Nature Reserve and the newly-created Jubilee Woodlands, and is maintained by volunteers from the forum and the Wildlife Trust.

Money worth £7,750 from the Biffa Award Programme's Landfill Communities Fund, and £7,500 from the Windfall Fund, linked to the Hyndburn Wind Farm, will see the work starting in the near future.

Gillian French, from Biffa, said: "This work is an excellent example of how the Landfill Communities Fund can help protect and preserve places like Hollins Woodland Way.

"For more than 16 years, nature reserves and habitats across the UK have benefitted from the scheme and organisations that award grants through the fund look forward to supporting more in the future."

Last year, Hollins Wood came joint second in the Forestry Commission's Urban Forestry Awards.

Forestry Commission area director Keith Jones said at the time: "Hollins Wood is an excellent example of how trees and woodlands can connect urban communities to the natural environment.

"By linking up with a series of other woodlands and green spaces, Hollins Wood is now giving the people of Accrington a fantastic area for recreation, exercise, relaxation and community activity for many years to come."