WORK to restore internationally-renowned heather and peatland above Burnley which is home to the threatened Pennine finch, has been declared a success.

Worsthorne Moor, a haven for the tiny twite, has been transformed into a must-see spot for wildlife lovers and keen walkers.

It is also fast becoming another East Lancashire Mecca for mountain bikers after the creation of a trail around Hurstwood Reservoir.

Under the Watershed Landscape project, the county council and United Utilities have been working together with regeneration agency Pennine Prospects to plant native species to encourage ground-nesting birds.

Robin Gray, of Pennine Prospects, said: “As part of this project we have recently installed a number of information boards to tell people what this area has to offer, including a window into the area’s fascinating historical links to the Towneley family of Burnley, as well as its links to the agricultural and industrial revolutions of the last 400 years.”

The one-kilometre long mountain bike track is aimed at both beginners and ‘improvers’ and another project has seen Maiden Cross car park revamped.

Embankments have been fashioned and dry stone walls restored to help recreate the original outlook of the area.

County councillor Marcus Johnstone, environment cabinet member, said: “I am delighted with the very positive feedback we have received from people using the new mountain bike trail at Hurstwood.

“It serves to show that by working in partnership with Pennine Prospects and United Utilities we have created a fantastic facility for the people of Burnley and Lancashire.”

Dave Oyston, a United Utilities ranger, said that wider habitat work was also being carried out by the company, with Natural England, as part of the Sustainable Catchment Management initiative.