MORE than 1,000 hectares of moorland are to be improved for the benefit of ramblers, mountain bikers, and birds, as part of a £300,000 project.

Worsthorne Moor is to undergo an ambitious restoration project which will prevent the erosion of vital peatland, and boost visitor access and amenities.

The project will see Maidens Cross car park resurfaced, new information signs installed, and wheelchair access improved.

A formal mountain bike trail through Hurstwood Wood is also planned as part of the scheme, to provide a dedicated facility for thrill-seekers who already improvise their own routes through the wood.

Linda Williams, countryside ranger for United Utilities said: “This investment will help to revitalise the moorland for the benefit of protected wildlife species and the thousands of visitors who enjoy this rugged landscape.

“Preserving the moorland also has a direct impact on the quality of water running off into local reservoirs.”

Plans are also being made to organise field visits for local schools to the revamped estate, to support students’ environmental studies.

United Utilities, which owns and manages the moorland, has teamed up with Lancashire County Council to deliver the three-year scheme.

The money for the project will come from United Utilities and Lancashire County Council, with a £150,000 Heritage Lottery grant.

Pam Warhurst, chairman of regeneration firm Pennine Prospects said: “This exciting project will deliver a major boost to a spectacular and much-loved area of wild open space.”

Worsthorne Moor plays host to rare bird species, including the Pennine finch, curlew, golden plover, sky-lark, snipe and peregrine falcon.

Water from the moorland’s reservoirs of Cant Clough and Hurstwood is sent to Worsthorne water treatment works, before being piped to thousands of customers in Burnley.

United Utilities is also finalising plans for a second, ambitious restoration scheme for the moorland, which could see up to 100 hectares of peatland reinvigorated.

Full plans are expected to be announced by the water company in the spring.