A MOSSLAND wildlife haven is one of eight regional nature reserves to benefit from a £330,000 Lottery fund boost.

The Lancashire Wildlife Trust's 59 acre site on Astley Moss attracts a variety of intriguing visitors.

Breeding curlew, tree pipits and whinchats visit the reserve off Rindle Road.

It is home to a variety of small mammals such as the common shrew, long-tailed fieldmouse and voles which attract birds of prey.

Sightings of hen harriers, short-eared owls and merlins make the peatland site precious to conservationists and ornithologists.

Now the extra cash, spread over a five year period, will help promote the area, acquired by the Trust in 1987 and zoned a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

The Trust's Jim Minall explained:"A great deal of work needs to be done to control birch trees which are invading the reserve and threatening important flora and fauna.

"The reserve will also see improved access, signage and visitor information. Computer modelling is being carried out by Huddersfield University to see how the site relates to surrounding land."

The Trust hopes to raise more funds to buy adjoining land to help protect this important site.

Part of the lottery fund award conditions means the Trust must raise an additional £33,000 and recruit an army of volunteers to help with the work.

Anyone interested in helping should ring 01772 324129.

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