RARE plants, birds and animals could make a return to Pendle Hill thanks to an environmental project to create a wildlife haven.

Lancashire County Council has applied to the Environment Secretary to erect stock-proof fencing to protect a 251 hectare area of moorland and allow it to recover from over-grazing by sheep and erosion.

A number of stiles will be built into the fence to ensure walkers on the popular tourist spot will still have easy access to the hill and surrounding moorlands.

The aim of the scheme, devised by the Forest of Bowland area of outstanding natural beauty advisory committee, is to encourage heather and the wildlife that feeds off it to make a return to the hill, famous for its association with the Lancashire Witches.

Plants such as liverwort and mountain strawberry will encourage birds like the golden plover, red grouse and peregrine falcons to the area.

County council officers will continue to work with Pendle Council and local landowners to develop the plans further.

The Environment Secretary will have final say on whether the fence can be erected or not because the land which will be enclosed is mainly common moorland. The site will be on the Ogden Clough side of the hill.