PLANS for a new community woodland will go on display to the public today (Mon Aug 12).

Members of the public are invited to Sedgley Park Rugby Club, Park Lane, to give their views on Hurst Wood, which is being developed by the Forestry Commission.

A consultation meeting was held earlier this year when people gave their ideas on transforming former farmland into a 36-hectare woodland for all the community to enjoy.

Previously the land, formerly Hurst Farm, had limited access to the public but was bought by the Red Rose Forest Trust, who in turn leased the site to the Forestry Commission.

They have now come up with a design to make Hurst Wood and Nuttall Wood into a place for everyone to enjoy with the help of part of £9 million funding from the Government's capital Modernisation Fund (CMF) and £2.8 million from the North West Development Agency.

The finished project, which will form part of the Red Rose Forest, will also link up with the Irwell Valley and Prestwich Forest Park, offering spectacular views of the area.

Lisa Foden, of the Forestry Commission, said: "We are developing this site for the local community to enjoy so we will try to include their needs and wishes. It is an extremely attractive site and contains grasslands, a brook, pond and hedgerows. We are also planning a route for walkers, riders and cyclists which will be a real bonus for everyone as previously there was only limited access to the area."

The plans will be on show at the club from 5pm to 8pm.