A TEN year management plan is being developed to improve conservation and public appreciation at the Bromyard Downs beauty spot.

The Herefordshire Nature Trust will be consulting with the local community and plans to set up nature and historical surveys, as well as carrying out "practical habitat management".

The Trust hopes that one outcome will be "getting people outside and learning about nature"

A pool of volunteers will need to be created, and some surveys involving local people have already taken place.

In July, wildlife experts and volunteers worked side by side for a "Bioblitz" at the Downs, to record as much wildlife as possible in 24 hours.

The Downs, with its rich grassland and bracken, is home to glow worms, linnets and yellow hammers, among other species; and orchids, yellow rattle and adder's tongue grow there.

Trust spokesperson, Hannah Welsh said: "Bromyard Downs is special because of its mosaic of species rich grassland, relict heathland patches, scrub, woodland, bracken slopes and ponds."

Anyone seeking further details about the project should phone 01432 356872.