THE Wyre Forest is to receive £1.86 million to help safeguard its future, it was announced today.

The forest is one of three areas, considered among the most precious in the country, getting a share of £5.5 million by the Heritage Lottery Fund's Landscape Partnership programme.

The other two are Weald Forest Ridge in East Sussex which includes Winnie the Pooh's famous Ashdown Forest and Cheshire's distinctive Sandstone Ridge.

Carole Souter, director of HLF, said: "What is so wonderful about this scheme is how it brings local groups together to make a huge difference to these important landscapes."

Barry Gardiner, minister for biodiversity, landscape and rural affairs. said: "Our landscapes are vital for lots of reasons - for our countryside, for people, for wildlife, for the economy and for the environment.

"The money awarded today by the Heritage Lottery Fund will help people and communities to work together to create tomorrow's living landscapes; protecting and enhancing habitats and local environments for the benefit of all."

The Wyre Forest, one of the largest areas of ancient semi-natural woodland left in England, has a long and varied history.

It has been a royal hunting ground, a major regional producer of charcoal and bark for the leather industry and also has a history of coal mining, fruit growing and farming.

The Heritage Lottery Fund has awarded £1.86 million towards the Wyre Forest's £3.6 million scheme. Local people will be encouraged to revive and enjoy 280 fragmented fruit orchards and help conserve the 1,200 species of butterflies and moths living there.