CONSERVATION charity The Woodland Trust is inviting people to walk to raise money.

The trust has organised a sponsored walk in Burnley on September 25 as part of its Walk for Woodland campaign, which aims to highlight the threat to woodland.

The proceeds will help the charity protect and maintain more than 1,000 woodland sites in the UK.

The walk, at Towneley Park, will cover a two-mile route taking in the exterior of Towneley Hall, the sculpture trail and arboretum.

National walk co-ordinator Ben Earl said: "We need to raise both awareness and vital funds to help us in our fight to save woodland.

"As the last bastions of so much of our wildlife heritage, it is vitally important that we continue to conserve, restore and protect our country's ancient woodland sites.

"We hope everyone will have a really enjoyable time. It is about having fun, walking at your own pace and doing as much of the route as you can."

Walkers can simply turn up on the day and register between 11am and 2pm at the Natural History Centre in Towneley Park, but the organisers would prefer people to register beforehand.

Sponsorship forms are available from the Woodland Trust on 01476 581111, and full details are available from Mike Graham on 01282 424213.

All walkers will get a complimentary pack of Yorkshire Tea provided by Taylors of Harrogate and there will be prizes for anyone raising £30 or more in sponsorship.

The walk is suitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs and dogs on leads.

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