AN important area of East Lancashire's moorland is being protected with the help of volunteers.
Boulsworth Moor, Trawden, has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest because of its diverse wildlife.
Its status means it is protected from unsuitable management, such as development and overgrazing.
The land is owned by North West Water, which for the last five years has undertaken a heather regeneration programme in the area. The British Trust for Conservation Volunteers is helping with the project over four days this month, by putting up a fence to keep sheep off part of the moor.
A BTCV spokesperson said: "Overgrazing of young heather shoots and other upland plants by sheep has been the main reason for the decline of our heather-clad hills.
"Strong heather growth indicates an upland area's general good health and with the stock proof fencing provided by BTCV and North West Water, in a few years Boulsworth Moor will look like a well-managed moorland."
Anyone interested in joining the BTCV for some practical work can find out more by ringing 01282 866982.
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