Lancashire Wildlife Trust is set to start work on Brockholes Wetland – a former gravel extraction site near Preston.

The first phase of the development will comprise seeding the meadows and planting new hedgerows and trees as well as restoring the wetlands and ponds at the 106-hectare (262-acre) site.

Access paths with signage and bird-watching hides will also be constructed.

Phase one of the development – funded by donations from Wildlife Trust members and £800,000 from the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) – will be opened to the public in around three months.

Peter White, executive director of infrastructure and development at the NWDA, said: “We are delighted to support a wide-reaching scheme which aims to reclaim derelict and underused land and transform it into thriving, inspirational community open spaces. As well as being a haven for wildlife, Brockholes will be an important visitor attraction for the region, where people can relax and enjoy nature.”

Mick Weston, the Wildlife Trust’s head of operations, added: “One of our first tasks will be to improve drainage, pathways, signposts and site safety features. This is a major priority and we will only open the facility to the public when we are confident that people can enjoy themselves safely.”

The Trust now plans to source funds for the second phase, which will include classrooms, a shop and a visitor centre.

A national competition inviting architects to submit building designs focusing on sustainable materials will launched shortly. Details: www.nwda.co.uk