A fresh drive to connect Blackburn residents with their natural surroundings is being launched today.

Resident horticulturalist Sue Jeffries will be "inspiring the local community to connect with local trees, wildflowers and wildlife" at Audley Space as part of the Super Slow Way initiative linked with the Leeds Liverpool Canal.

A spokesman for the arts scheme said those taking part can "enhance your wellbeing and be part of improving biodiversity and habitats in our Audley Space, one of our Blackburn spaces that houses the Homegrown/Homespun project, our garden club and more."

For the initial session today, people will be encouraged to take part in a wildlife and flower survey, seeking to identify the flora and fauna around the banks of the canal, while marking up different wildlife habitat areas on a map and triggering a discussion on which plants could improve the site, off Higher Audley Street.

Next Wednesday there are plants for biodiversity seed sewing - where a range of wildflowers will be introduced in sunny, shady, wet and dry areas of the space so those involved can learn more about different wildflower species.

And the following Wednesday after that, biodiversity planting is the key, with small trees, shrubs and perennials being installed.

The workshop on Wednesday, June 19, will focus on creating labels to provide information for the local community with wood and natural materials, while setting up an 'i-Naturalist Project'.

Each of the sessions will be running from 9.30am until 12.30pm under Sue's guidance.

Those taking part can park on St Paul's Church car park but there is no free parking on Jan's car park, according to organisers.

An official added: "We’re also now encouraging visitors to access the Audley site through the woodland entrance on the main road (Higher Audley St)."