CAMPAIGNERS hoping to establish a nature reserve around former mill lodges on the outskirts of Bury have been given a boost by a leading conservation group.

The Friends of Cockey Moor, Whitehead and Parker's Lodges are looking to protect five reservoirs near Elton and Starling.

Now, the Red Rose Forest, which helps maintain woodland around Greater Manchester, has agreed to work in partnership with them at Cockey Moor Woods, which fringe two of the Whitehead Lodges near Lowercroft Road.

They will agree a strategy with landowners Wilton Estates and a local farmer to manage the area. The Friends are also drawing up a wider plan for the area, in hope of securing support from other groups to maintain the actual stretches of water.

Group chairman Elaine Shirt said: "The woodland and lodges are all one package and we are really thrilled about this.

"There is such an abundance of wildlife that we cannot let it go for development. It is not what we achieve now but what we do in the future and this is an early bite at the apple."

The Friends have also been given a financial lift from Bury West area board. A £300 cheque from the local Kickstart budget presented to them will be used to cover administration expenses and the cost of public meetings.