A GRANT of £1.8million could help preserve the beauty of one of Lancashire’s most distinctive landscapes.

The Pendle Hill project wants to link local people to the scenery and heritage of the historic landscape.

Lottery funding will be used to restore important wildlife and landscape features, tell the stories of Pendle people from the past, explore the geology and heritage of the hill, and inspire others to enjoy the area.

It will also be used to improve access to the hill, improve wildlife sites, and offer opportunities to volunteers and trainees. Old walls and hedgerows will be restored by the scheme, and traditional rural crafts will be revived.

Plans also include improving and waymarking walking routes and opening them up, so that they are accessible for people of all abilities.

Information points at Barley, Downham, Spring Wood and the Nick of Pendle will be enhanced and local tourism and food providers will be encouraged and supported to help to promote the area.

County Cllr Albert Atkinson, chair of the Forest of Bowland AONB Partnership and deputy leader of Lancashire County Council, said: “Pendle Hill is part of our history.

“It’s a very special place and I welcome the opportunity to preserve and develop it for future generations.

“This grant will help to safeguard the heritage and environment of this much-loved Lancashire landmark.”

Councillor Mohammed Iqbal, leader of Pendle Council, said: “It’s fantastic news that this exciting project has won major funding and that the hard work has paid off.

“Together we can enhance people’s experience of Pendle Hill, whether they live locally or are visiting from across the UK and overseas.”

Robert Thompson, Ribble Valley Council’s representative on the Pendle Hill Landscape Partnership, said: “Pendle Hill is an iconic landmark, with a rich history, heritage, culture and ecology. This windfall will allow us to preserve and improve this important landscape at a time when the local visitor economy is booming.”