WORK has started on one of the north west's top 10 heritage sites at risk of being lost as a result of neglect or decay.

The concentric stone circle on Birkrigg Common, near Ulverston, is deemed to be one of the region's most significant 'at risk' sites according to Historic England, but help is at hand.

Morecambe Bay Partnership, Historic England and volunteers from Cumbria Wildlife Trust and Ford Park Community Group have begun vital vegetation clearance to safeguard its future.

Louise Martin, cultural heritage officer with Morecambe Bay Partnership, said: “I am really pleased with our progress and encouraged by what we have achieved so far.

"The area around the stone circle has been improved dramatically, opening it up and making the site more discernible to the many tourists and local people who visit the site, some on a daily basis.

"Even local residents walking on the common have commented that until now they didn’t realise that it was a double stone circle, which is a great result.”

Under the supervision of archaeologist Louise Martin, volunteers are carefully clearing vegetation, primarily bracken, away from the immediate area of the stone circle.

This is improving the setting of the monument and revealing the second outer ring of stones, which becomes ‘hidden’ beneath a dense canopy of vegetation during the summer months.

As well as enhancing the visitor experience, it is also increasing the visibility of the archaeological remains, protecting them from accidental damage.

And a further benefit of this project is the reuse of the bracken waste which is being transported by local volunteers to Ford Park Community Group for their kitchen garden.

For more information and to get involved with the project call 01529 734888 or mail info@morecambebay.org.uk