MORE than 75 hectares of land in the Dearne Valley is to be transformed into a nature reserve.
It is hoped that kestrels, barn owls, voles and insects a will thrive on the sections of informal parkland and selected highway verge locations.
It comes after the area was designated as a nature improvement zone by the government, earning £560,000 in grant funding.
Meanwhile, ten hectares of new woodland has been planted at Wharncliffe Woodmoor, Carlton, with another at Tank Row, Stairfoot, is expected to begin soon.
Residents of the Dearne Valley will be encouraged to plant some of the trees.
If you are interested in taking part in the tree planting contact Parks Services at parksservices@barnsley.gov.uk or phone 01226 774353.
