NEW self-guided trails and a living sculpture highlighting the natural heritage of historic Witley Court and gardens, near Worcester, will be created by a group of young people with learning difficulties, thanks to a £25,000 award from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

The innovative project involves young people from Wyre Forest LAFS (Learn, Achieve, Fun, Socialise) and Worcestershire Lifelinks, who will develop a series of trails looking at the birds, wildlife, plants and trees which live in the wilderness garden and along the woodland walks surrounding the spectacular English Heritage owned ruin in Great Witley.

During the coming year, the group of about 30 young people will focus on surveying, monitoring, photographing and learning about the natural heritage on the site.

They also plan to encourage different species through creating new habitats and bird boxes, as well as building a sculpture inspired by the landscape.

Chairman Chris Jordan said he was delighted to receive the award. He said: "We meet regularly and the young people are very keen to get started on the project. They all have different skills. So, for example, some will be making bird boxes or creating living willow sculptures, while others are looking forward to taking photographs or doing the IT side."

The ponds and woodland are already important habitats supporting a wide range of plants and animals, including kingfishers, spotted flycatchers and brown hawker dragonflies. Six species of bat feed on the site, five of which are known to roost there. A nationally scarce rove beetle is also found at Witley Court.

The project, led by Wyre Forest LAFS, is being run with partners English Heritage; Worcestershire County Council; and Worcestershire LifeLinks.

Anne Jenkins, HLF's regional manager said: "The work will add greater enjoyment and understanding to all ages of a wonderful, rich area of natural heritage."