A PROJECT to transform a popular woodland area in Appleton is on the horizon, as the borough council gets ready to delve into the Dingle.

Town Hall staff are set to produce a vision for the management needed over the next five years to ensure the woodland's survival for future generations to enjoy.

The ancient woodland area now needs major works to tackle the problem of domination by mature trees and the lack of young trees.

A document released by the environment and regeneration department of the borough council said: "The Dingle is a popular woodland area where visitors can enjoy peace and tranquillity. It is a very important site containing many native flora and fauna.

"The proposals involve the felling of carefully selected trees to make space for young trees to grow, coppicing of the shrubs and repair of the woodland path."

The Woodland Trust owns adjoining forestry and the borough council is liaising with it to ensure continuity of management and to coordinate work to minimise disturbance.

The borough council is asking the public for their views on the proposals. Copies of the draft management plan are available on request from the council's landscape services department.