LOCAL volunteers are being praised for their hard work which is safeguarding an Oswaldtwistle nature reserve.

Thanks to the continued enthusiasm of local residents Foxhill Bank has developed into an important wildlife habitat as well as a highly-valued area of open space within walking distance of the town centre, says a progress report to councillors.

This year's work programme includes tackling weeds and rubbish, footpath repairs, fitting out a tool store, river bank repairs and new signs.

The 20-acre reserve, established 11 years ago following a derelict land reclamation scheme carried out by Hyndburn Council, is leased by the authority to the Lancashire Wildlife Trust. The Trust and its local volunteers are solely responsible for looking after the reserve which boasts herons, kingfishers, little grebes, and a variety of ducks and geese.

They now have their sights set on Foxhill Bank being officially declared a Local Nature Reserve, the first in Hyndburn.

English Nature is backing the designation, but there has been a delay while extra land is included in the boundaries of the reserve.

LNR status would give the site legal recognition and allow the introduction of bye-laws to tackle issues like keeping dogs on a lead to prevent disturbance to wildlife.

As a registered charity, the Trust relies on grant aid for the upkeep and development of the nature reserve, says the report to Hyndburn development services committee tomorrow .

This year the borough council has awarded £800 to help pay for materials, and the the hire of equipment so volunteers can press on with environmental improvements.

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