SUMMER may have passed us by but do not let the changing seasons keep you indoors.

As the green grassland of Horrocks Wood turns golden, wrap up warm and take to the foothills of Bolton for fresh air and spectacular views.

Forestry Commission staff are urging people to visit the great outdoors to explore and enjoy the open grassland and young woodland which is on their doorstep.

The site, off Scout Road in Smithills, is former farmland which — until just 10 years ago — had limited access to the public.

Thanks to a £9 million grant from the Government's Capital Modernisation Fund, the 38-hectare site was transformed into a new community woodland.

Ranger Duncan MacNaughton, who has worked for the Forestry Commission for more than 10 years, said: “It was farmland which came up for sale.

“There were a number of sites around the Greater Manchester and Merseyside area that were purchased at the time.

“It’s about getting more people up here, getting them to recognise it’s here.

“Even in winter, this is a really nice little spot to come to.

“It’s amazing how many people just come here to admire the view.”

Earlier this year, the site was one of five locations in Bolton where a beacon was lit to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee.

Mr MacNaughton added: “I like it because of the view.

“It’s an ever-changing landscape that you’re looking out on. I can see why people just want to come up here and have their lunch and just look out over the whole of South Lancashire and Cheshire. You can even see towards Wales if the weather is right.”

Landmarks which can be easily spotted include Bolton Town Hall and further afield to Beetham Tower in Manchester city centre, Chill Factore, Trafford, and across to Fiddlers Ferry Power Station in Warrington.

Money from the fund was also used to create a car park, which is 250 metres above sea level.

Wildlife at the wood, which is popular with rambling groups, includes damselflies, dragonflies and butterflies, hares, kestrels and barn owls, birds such as lapwings, skylarks and snipe and roe deer.

Sika deer have also been spotted at the wood, a rare sight as Mr MacNaughton said the nearest large herd is 20 miles away in the Forest of Bowland, near Preston.