WILDLIFE enthusiasts have thrown their support behind Bury's flagship nature reserve.

More than 40 people attended a meeting at Philips Park in Whitefield which is set to become the borough's first Local Nature Reserve (LNR) in October.

Residents joined representatives from wildlife groups and Bury Council to find out more about the plans as well as to volunteer their services for the management committee and fund-raising.

Top of many people's list were measures to stamp out illegal motorcycling in the historic park, improved access and a circular path taking in a variety of wildlife habitats.

The area, once owned by the Philips family, is already protected by Grade 2 Historical Park status and was put forward by the council for Local Nature Reserve designation ahead of Chesham Woods in Bury.

The Whitefield site rated highly in an assessment by the Greater Manchester Ecology Unit and it is hoped the decision will be rubber stamped by English Nature. Miss Daveen Wallis, Bury LNR project officer, was appointed by Lancashire Wildlife Trust to promote the reserve.

She said: "The meeting went very well. Many people asked about the motorcycle problem as there has been an increase in them in the area.

"A number of people also wanted to get involved in a management committee. We want to get a strategy together for the park for the next five years."

A party is planned to celebrate the official creation of the nature reserve in October.

Miss Wallis added: "I was pleased at the interest as I have been to residents meetings before when hardly anyone turned up. We need to build on this interest and make sure that we publicise what is going on."

For information contact Miss Wallis on 01204 361847.

The British Conservation Trust for Volunteers is holding a fun day on Sunday in the park. Events run from 11.30 am to 3pm at the Barn Countryside Centre and include a Viking combat display, pond dipping, teddy bears' picnic, story telling and barbecue. Contact: 796 6404.

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