A NEW project has been set up to breathe life into old heathlands in West and South Yorkshire.
Heaths around Kirklees will be among areas set for improvement under the Coalfields Heathland Project.
The scheme aims to restore 300 hectares - three square kilometres - of heaths and create new ones on derelict sites.
It also aims to improve access in order to reconnect local communities with their rich cultural heritage.
Lowland heathland is one of the UK's most important habitats for wildlife.
The colourful landscape is home to animals such as the common lizard, brown hare and green hairstreak butterfly.
The project involves English Nature, the Environment Agency, Sheffield Wildlife Trust, South Yorkshire Forest Partnership and five local authorities.
A grant of more than £31,000 from English Nature, through the Government's Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund, has enabled the first phase of the scheme to get under way.
Andy Nicholls, of Wakefield Countryside and Conservation Service, said: "With care and investment we'll soon be able to reverse the decline of these historic habitats for the benefit of both people and wildlife."
The project expects large- scale community involvement over the next few years.