A long-term is in place to redevelop the woodland area on the Gill Banks to improve wildlife.

The project is a woodland management plan to protect and enhance the banks in Ulverston.

Part of laurel hedge and wood have been removed and recycled for locals to use for fire pits.

A professional ecologist from Cumbria Wildlife Trust came to inspect the woodland in it's entirety.

One significant change that is needed is the laurel and woodland area of Gill Banks.

There is no natural species in the woodlands and it releases a poison.

The laurel is now overgrown that the canal is not visible from the top of the footpath.

Peter Lowe, a volunteer for the Gill Banks Action Group, said the redevelopment will have a big impact on the community.

He said: "The laurel is so overgrown it doesn’t look appealing when you walk past.

"The main aim of the project is to reconnect the wildlife with the woodland.

"The laurel was so bad that you could not see the canal at the top, which is one of the main reasons you walk up the path."

Mr Lowe said the response by local people has been positive.

He said the Woodland Management Plan is in place for the next 20 years.

He said: "Footpath repairs will also take place to make the whole area more appealing to the local community.

"The impact it will have on the wildlife will be massive.

"Around 10-12 volunteers came to help with the Laurel removed and leaf mould scraped from the footpath and mixed into the soil

He added: "The response to help has been good and people within the community are very positive about the plan.

"Local walkers on Sunday morning praised the idea and some said it will make a big impact visually."

Jayne Kendall, a volunteer helping out on Sunday sessions, said the initiative has been pleasing.

The Action Group are meeting regularly on Sunday's to continue their work around the Gill Banks.

She said: "It is a long process that is going to take around 10 years to complete.

"We will be planting shrubs and bulbs in a couple of weeks to encourage wildlife.

"Locals who walked past on the weekend praised the idea and they were all for it."

The next meet up is on Sunday, November 18.

Volunteers are welcome to attend.

For more information call 01229 585778.