Volunteers working to improve a beauty spot have been awarded grant funding.

Friends of Arden Hall and the Coppice by will receive £49,200.77 for further improvements at Peel Park.

The money will be used to resurface paths and carry out woodland management including some felling of larch trees and the replanting with native trees and shrubs including oaks, along with the installation more seating and informative signage.

The improvements will complement work already carried out around Arden Hall and the south of the Coppice and the path resurfacing funded by the Forestry Commission on the top of the Coppice, which is currently underway.

Last week the Observer reported how some people were unhappy with the appearance of new paths at the Coppice.

Fifty bird boxes and twenty bat boxes will also be installed at Peel Park .

Deputy council leader Clare Pritchard, who is chair of Friends of Arden Hall and the Coppice said the funding would make a big difference.

She said: “I am delighted the group has been successful in their bid for funding from Biffa Award, it will help us to deliver our vision for the area as a local nature reserve and wildlife haven as well as being a wonderful place for local people to visit.

“The new paths through the woodland at Arden Hall have already massively improved this area and make it so easy for people to enjoy a leisurely walk and enjoy the wonderful countryside.

“This well-loved local beauty spot is now more accessible for everyone to enjoy and with this continued investment and further improvements we are hoping for a Local Nature Reserve designation for Peel Park in the next year few years.”

The pathworks and woodland thinning should be finished by spring and the replanting will be done in the autumn.