A CONSERVATION project which has been set up to allow wildlife to flourish has been given a £30,000 boost.

Whitehead Hall Meadow Millennium Green in Astley has been handed a grant from Enovert Community Trust to enhance and conserve 5.5 hectares of grassland, woodland and wetland.

This will be done through scrub removal, hay cutting and habitat creation.

The restored landscape forms an important corridor to nearby Astley Moss, Windy Bank Wood and Botany Bay Wood, enabling wildlife to move freely through the urban landscape.

The Carbon Landscape Partnership also provided support during the capital works and helped with the delivery of volunteer sessions and training courses, together with Lancashire Wildlife Trust.

Christine Elding, secretary of the Whitehead Hall Meadow Millennium Green Trust, which delivered the project, said: “The green’s biodiversity will benefit from the improvements and it will enhance a vital stepping-stone, which links the moss land habitats to the south with the fenscape wetlands to the north.

“Additionally, the project has improved more than half a kilometre of public and disabled access throughout the site, while the installation of new gates and fencing has secured the site from anti-social behaviour, which was a major concern from local community during our public consultation.

“Indeed, the design of the project was heavily influenced by the wishes of local people, and local volunteers were actively involved in all aspects of the project.

"Hopefully, this community involvement will raise awareness and instil pride in this important habitat and its associated wildlife.”

READ > Borough household recycling centres remain open despite rest of Greater Manchester's closing

Trust secretary of Enovert Community Trust, Angela Haymonds, said: "The trustees were delighted to provide a grant to fund the restoration works at Whitehead Hall Meadow Millennium Green.

"As a publicly accessible suburban site, the green is regularly used by the local community and the conservation project has provided the local community with a great opportunity to experience and reconnect with nature.”