THREE under-used open spaces in Pendle are to be transformed into woodland areas open to the public thanks to almost £50,000 of grant cash.

Elwood, an East Lancashire-wide urban forestry initiative aimed at improving the environment, will get local residents, community groups and schools involved in the work to create woodlands close to Cravendale Avenue, Nelson, and Bunkers Hill and Greenfield Road, Colne.

The scheme has been made possible thanks to funding from Pendle Partnership, the consortium of private, public and voluntary groups, through Single Regeneration Budget (SRB) cash.

Work is due to start shortly. The aim is to increase woodland cover in Pendle, which has among the lowest percentage of tree cover in the country, improving the environment and making the areas more attractive.

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