IN a bid to secure the future of an old disused quarry near Lancaster environmentalists are planning to buy it and turn it into a Local Nature Reserve. Presently owned by construction giants Tarmac, Trowbarrow Quarry - situated in an outstanding area of beauty in Silverdale - has been hailed as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, of national importance to climbers and a haven for wildlife. The Landscape Trust for Arnside and Silverdale has been working with the Countryside Management Service to acquire the quarry and Landscape Trust chairman, Ralf Henderson, said:

"Trowbarrow Quarry is a very important site for both climbers and people interested in nature.

"The site totals 36 acres including cliffs which are over 100 feet high and several hundreds of feet long with 60 different climbs to tackle."

In the next few weeks the Trust will be launching a national appeal for donations of up to £50,000 to help with the ongoing management of Trowbarrow Quarry and a sporting trust with climbing links is already expected to contribute up to £15,000.

Climbers from all over the country venture to Silverdale to climb, but at present, they are technically trespassing and climbing illegally, until the Trust purchases the land and allow the sport to continue.

Mr Henderson added: "Initially we are prepared to raise the funds for acquiring Trowbarrow Quarry from Tarmac.

"At present we are putting an attractive management package together which will hopefully gain backing from the council to help with this project in the future."

A spokesman for Tarmac said: "Both Tarmac and the Trust are keen to establish the use of the site as a local nature reserve with access for disabled and education groups. The use of the old quarry for recreational interests, especially rock climbing, is also likely to form part of the scheme."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.