A SCHEME to Save the Bluebell is getting underway in the Bolton area -- with help from the public.

The humble but beautiful wildflower is under threat everywhere as woodland areas are lost to development.

But the Red Rose Forest Bluebell Recovery Programme is coming to the rescue -- reintroducing the wildflower to local woodlands.

In partnership with the Croal Irwell Valley Ranger Service, they have put together a series of wildflower talks and woodland walks, hunting for bluebells.

Next month there will be seed collecting events to improve the numbers of bluebell and the new supply will be reintroduced locally. In the meantime, there's a Bluebell Walk on tomorrow at 1pm from Wilders Wood car park between Old Rakes Lane and Georges Lane, off Chorley Old Road, at Horwich.

And on Sunday, at 2pm, at Moses Gate Country Park in Farnworth, there's a wildflower walk through woodland. This leaves from Rock Hall Visitor Centre.

On the same day, there's a Three Borough Bluebell Walk at 11am from the Clifton Country Park Visitor Centre. This is an all-day ramble in the heart of the Croal Irwell Valley. And on Sunday, May 28, Family Trees is the title of a walk in Chesham Woods at Bury. Meet at 2pm at the Clarence Lido car park.

For more details about Bluebell Recovery and all the events, ring the Red Rose Forest offices on 0161-872-1660.