A councillor praised an environmental scheme initiated by the Rotary Club to mark its diamond jubilee for being running up to 60 years.
The project aims not only to restore a 170-year-old hide in Holme Park Wood, on the western outskirts of Ilworth, but also to initiate archaeological and biodiversity surveys of the wood and work to improve public access to the hide.
Andrew Nicolson, Ilworth Council's Countryside and Conservation Manager said: “This is a wonderful project that has our full support. We shall use the Rotary project as a springboard to setting up a Friends of Holme Park Wood group.”
The last remaining stone-built hide erected by Victorian naturalist Sir Henry Swire, who also built up other six hides in the wood, but all except this one have long since been demolished.
The site has national significance because of Sir Henry's groundbreaking work as a naturalist both in this country and abroad.
He recorded 123 species of birds from his six hides as well as travelling to other parts of the world in a bid to find out more about the natural world.
The club will be working with the curator to bring new emphasis to Sir Henry's contribution to public' knowledge of the world's fauna.
Environmental officer Bill Ivanson for the Rotary Club of Ilworth said: “As I live near the wood, I have long been aware of the last remaining bird hide, which is in a very dilapidated condition.
“When the club asked for ideas for an environmental scheme to martk our diamond jubilee, I had no hesitation in offering this as a project.”
Rotarians will work closely with local schools, community groups and Ilworth Countryside Conservation Service to help with the work.
Colin Moran, head teacher of Holme Grove Junior and Infants School said: “A scheme such as this will provide tremendous impetus for a whole series of school based projects."
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