A 'WONDERFUL' area of woodland in Accrington will undergo further improvements after two community groups helped secure £31,000 funding.

Hyndburn Green Spaces Forum and Woodnook Residents Community Association secured the cash for woodland in Woodnook by improving footpaths, installing bird nesting spots and generally improving access.

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Neil Mooney, chairman of the Hyndburn Green Spaces Forum said: "We are looking forward to making enhancements to this piece of woodland.

"There is so much wonderful countryside in the area that has been made more accessible over the past few years.

"We are keen to encourage people to go and explore."

The improvement works will see the woodland, which links Bullough Park and Woodnook Vale, also benefit from introducing native tree planting, an improved welcoming entrance from Royds Street and the installation of 15 bird nesting spots.

Access will also be improved and a new section of woodland path will help the area link up with the wider countryside that leads to the hillside to Rothwell Heights.

The funding was applied for after £110,000 of work was completed in Bullough Park and Woodnook Vale last year, showing up problems with access in nearby woodland.

The money for the latest project was successfully secured from various grants and local groups.

Lancashire Environmental Fund gave £24,800, £2,000 came from the Windfall Fund, £1,000 from Peel and Barnfield Area Council and a further £3,200 from Hyndburn Council.

Kaisse O'Neil, from the Woodnook Residents Community Association, said: "As a group we are delighted to help raise this money for the local area.

"It will help to enhance our local woodland for the benefit of local residents and wildlife."

The work is due to be completed by early spring 2016.

Barnfield ward councillor, June Harrison, said: "Talking with local residents it was apparent that there was a lot of local support and interest in this area.

"I am looking forward to seeing the work completed in time for spring."