AN environmental charity has received a National Lottery grant to take over a borough’s eight woodlands from Lancashire County Council.

Hyndburn’s Prospects Foundation has received £95,100 from its Heritage Fund for the scheme which will initially last for three years.

The 21-year-old charity will involve local volunteers and schoolchildren in the mapping, management and conservation of the 100 acres of woods in the borough.

Chairman of The Prospects Foundation Phil Barwood said: “We are thrilled.”

The eight woodlands are Rushton House Farm in Oswaldtwistle, Abbott Clough in Intack, Whinney Hill East and West in Accrington, Huncoat West and East, Warcocks Green in Oswaldtwistle , and Martholme Greenway in Great Harwood.

The ‘Habitats and Heritage in Hyndburn’ project will take on the management and conservation of the woodlands for the future.

It will involve volunteers in learning about, surveying and helping to protect these woodlands whilst providing training opportunities for them to develop skills to look after woodlands in the future. A new Hyndburn woodland website will be created.

Mr Barwood said: “We are thrilled to have received this support and look forward to a fantastic range of events and activities which will engage local people, groups and schools in these wonderful woodland areas. People don’t always know about the natural biodiversity of those areas or even the historical background.”

Oswaldtwistle Cllr Peter Britcliffe said: “It is good news and the Prospects Foundation will do a good job. It is a great opportunity to involve local people in the conservation of their local woods.”

The project is also partially funded by the Windfall Community Benefit Fund and Lancashire County Council.