THE Woodland Trust has bought another slice of the iconic Smithills Estate as it looks to protect the Bolton landscape for future generations.

The Trust has secured an £180,000 grant from the Viridor Credits Environmental Company, which has allowed it to take ownership of a further 50 acres of land around the Brown Stones Quarry.

The Trust already manages the whole Smithills estate, and following a public appeal for funds, last year bought two-thirds of the 1,700-acre landscape, but is still fundraising to complete the entire purchase and begin restoration of habitats as well as improving access for local people.

Gareth Williams, funded projects manager at Viridor Credits, said: “The Viridor Credits Trustees are committed to the protection and enhancement of the UK’s biodiversity, and that is reflected in the size of the award to Woodland Trust — a trusted partner in numerous environmental projects.”

Woodland Trust Smithills fundraiser Sara Wood added: “The Viridor Credits grant is a huge boost at a time when funding is increasingly hard to come by.

“We’re delighted by the support so far but we’ve still got a long way to go before we can acquire the final part of the site. However, thanks to Viridor Credits we’re another step closer to realising our dream for the Estate.”

Smithills is steeped in history and is a rich mosaic of woodland, pasture, moorland and fragile bog habitats, shadowed by the famous Winter Hill TV mast.

As well as being classed as a jewel in Bolton’s natural crown, the estate welcomes visitors from across the whole country.

But its habitats are under threat, reducing biodiversity, and leaving wildlife vulnerable.

The Woodland Trust is aiming to reverse this downturn, creating a sustainable landscape that’s good for people, and wildlife.

A Smithills supporters group has now been formed and the estate’s first ‘bioblitz’ has recently been held in a bid to count the number of species which live in the diverse habitats.

To find out more about the project or to make a donation or learn about volunteering opportunities,

call 0330 333 5301 or visit woodlandtrust.org.uk/smithills