A SCHEME to declare Redisher Wood, Holcombe Brook, a local nature reserve took a step forward after plans were given the thumbs up at a public meeting.

The meeting, at Woodhey High School, was attended by almost 100 people.

Bury Council is behind the nature reserve plan.

Its Local Nature Reserve project is funded by a grant from the New Opportunities Lottery Fund via English Nature.

The grant scheme encourages local authorities to develop and manage local nature reserves, with an essential part of the project being to encourage communities to take an active interest in the improvement of their local environment and its wildlife value.

Bury has adopted English Nature's target of providing one hectare of local nature reserve for each 1,000 people.

The inclusion of Redisher Wood, will take the project nearer to this goal.

The meeting provided an opportunity to find out more about the project, to meet the Local Nature Reserve Officer and to help decide the priorities for management work in Redisher Wood.

A working party will now be set up to bring the plans to fruition.