AN area popular with countryside lovers and walkers in Westhough ton has become a nature reserve.

The land covers seven hectares of green space and woodland at Hall Lee Brook between Park Road and Bolton Road.

The area, known locally as The Bonk, is owned by Bolton Council and will be managed by Natural England.

Public notices have been posted in Westhoughton Library and Westhoughton Town Hall to tell residents about the new classification.

Cllr David Chadwick, who represents Westhoughton South, said: “For me it is something that is good news.

“Animals use that particular brook to come through the town. It’s a path which nature uses to go from A to B.”

He said he hoped it would now receive more funding The news was also welcomed by Cllr David Wilkinson, who also represents Westhoughton South.

He said: “Being a nature reserve will give it protection.

I imagine a lot of people go down The Bonk.

“It is a nice little route, and it has always been popular.

The Bonk becoming a nature reserve is a good thing.”

Cllr Christine Wild, who represents Westhoughton North and Chew Moor, said residents would be able to enjoy the reserve for years to come, and that work would be carried out to improve footpath access.

To be classed as a nature reserve, sites must have natural interest and opportunities for education, research or enjoyment of nature by the public.