A POPULAR wildlife spot in Bolton which could have disappeared has been saved, thanks to a conservation project.

Staff and volunteers from the Wildlife Trust have worked hard on a two-week project to stop the island in the middle of Doffcocker Lodge from eroding away, and have restored the area to its natural state.

work at the nature reserve has included creating a new edge for the island and planting native and aquatic vegetation. The plants will spread and create a habitat for birds and aquatic animals.

The area's renovation has coincided with the first sighting of an unusual bird species. Four Common Terns settled at Doffcocker over the summer and raised two chicks.

Paul Sadler, urban wildlife officer at the Wildlife Trust's Bolton office, said: "We now have a protected haven where birds and aquatic animals are able to nest and rest without being disturbed."

Work on the island was made possible by a partnership between Bolton Council, the Environment Agency and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs through the Countryside Stewardship Scheme.