A more than century-old heritage will be restored to attract locals as part of an environmental project and help build up an eco-friendly community in Ilworth.
The project, which will mark a local Rotary Club's 60th anniversary, was funded by a Heritage Initiative Lottery grant of £25,000, according to the club's Community Service Committee Chairman Stanley Hucksley.
Ilworth Council's Countryside and Conservation manager Andrew Nicolson said: “This is a wonderful project that has our full support. Our foresters are already working on improvements to the footpaths in parts of the wood near the hide.”
The council wishes to enhance and protect the local community, “We shall use the Rotary project as a springboard to setting up a Friends of Holme Park Wood group,” Andrew said.
The 170-year-old hide, erected by the well-known Victorian naturalist Sir Hnery Swire, was the last remaining stone-built hide in Holme Part Wood on the western outskirts of Ilworth, according to Stanley.
Bill Ivanson, environmental officer for the club 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 mark our diamond jubilee, I had no hesitation in offering this is a project.”
Despite the work of restoring the hide, the club is also planning to improve public accesss to the hide, improving existing footpaths and opening up at least one other.
Stanley said rotarians will work closely with local schools and community groups. 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.
“It is to be greatly welcomed and the Rotary club is to be congratulated on its intiative.”
Part of the grant will be used to set up a series of lectures talking about Sir Henry.
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