A WILDLIFE expert has called for greater recognition of the unique habitats provided by Bolton's rich industrial heritage.

Pat Waring, who lectures in conservation biology at Bolton Institute, was speaking as the town launched a strategy to highlight and protect its rare flora and fauna.

Bolton's Biodiversity Action Plan is the borough's answer to a international call to conserve distinctive wildlife before it is too late.

And it is the town's industrial legacy which puts it in the front line of the battle to preserve endangered nature.

Mr Waring said: "A lot of our post-industrial sites haven't been fully recognised for their value and that's what we are trying to do.

"They are as much what makes Bolton what it is as the town hall or the parish church.

"Sometimes social benefits will take precedence over them but before taking any decisions we need to understand exactly what we've got."

The strategy comes in the week when it was announced that Cutacre Tip on the Over Hulton and Little Hulton border would become a massive opencast mine despite local opposition.

Spoil tips such as Cutacre and quarries such as Cox Green Quarry in Egerton are among the region's most important examples of colourful heathland.

Rare species such as kingfishers, Daubenton's bat and water voles flourish in the Manchester, Bury and Bolton and Leeds-Liverpool canals in the borough.

The large number of man-made lodges also have national importance. One key species is the threatened great crested newt with Bolton boasting many of the country's scarce examples.

Cllr Guy Harkin, the council's executive member for environment, said: "My particular interest is on the waterfront. There have been major improvements in the town's emphasis on wildlife but there's no room for complacency."

The action plan aims to identify the town's most important wildlife sites and set targets for preserving them and even creating new habitats such as woodlands and ponds. It is produced by Bolton Environment Forum, a multi-agency group which includes Bolton council.

For more details about Bolton's Biodiversity Action Plan, or to find out how you can help as a volunteer, contact the environment team on 336659 or e-mail biodiversity@bolton.gov.uk