Access and biodiversity at the Woodland Trust’s Heartwood Forest is going to be improved thanks to a grant.

The forest in Sandridge has been awarded £69,800 from The Veolia Environmental Trust to help fund three improvement projects.

First, it will be used to fund the laying of an all-weather, all ability path in the woods.

Second, it will fund work to reinvigorate the wood’s wildflower meadows and create a new one.

Finally, new gates and signs will be installed throughout the woods.

Woodland Trust regional development officer Janette Wickens said: "This grant is great news for Heartwood Forest. The project which it will fund will make a significant difference to everyone, from the very young through to the young at heart.

"It will reinvigorate important parts of the wood, meaning a better experience for current and future visitors and improved biodiversity."