Traditional woodland management methods have proved popular at encouraging wildlife in an East Lancashire beauty spot.

Work to revitalise Roddlesworth Woods, between Darwen and Withnell, has been ongoing since November.

Conservation workers from United Utilities have been working with Natural England and Chorley and District Natural History Society, and coppicing experts Greenwood Twiggs.

Coppicing is the process of cutting trees down to the stump to allow for more light to hit the forest floor.

And bBy carefully selecting areas to work on, and implementing the work over several seasons, the five-year project aims to improve biodiversity, create habitat corridors, and enhance the overall health of the woodland.

Andy Ryding, a UU partnership project officer, with woodland officer Michael Bullivant, has helped to develop the West Pennine moors scheme.

Andy said: "The project is focused on re-establishing traditional woodland management techniques such as coppicing, thinning, and habitat creation.

"It might seem strange that cutting some trees down can help attract more wildlife, but we are already seeing fantastic results with more bird life in the area.”

Selected areas have so far been coppiced, with habitat corridors created, and new bird boxes installed.

And supporters say within a few weeks tree pipits and pied flycatchers returned to the area, with the flycatchers successfully breeding and hatching six young.

History society members are also tracking the project to aid future conservation projects.

Conservationists hope, over the next two years, the woodland will become a thriving habitat for a variety of bird species and other wildlife.

Andy added: “We’re taking a very careful approach to the work by only working in one section of woodland at a time.

"This is to prevent any shock to the ecosystem and allow for a gradual transition to a healthier and more diverse environment.

“The success we have seen so far is thanks to the dedication and commitment for everyone involved.

"By working together to improve and protect our natural spaces, we can ensure a brighter future for wildlife, the environment, and future generations to come.

"The transformation of Roddlesworth South is a reminder of the positive impact that conservation efforts can have and the importance of preserving our natural heritage."