VITAL vegetation clearance at one of the North West's most 'at risk' heritage sites has begun.

Four organisations are working in partnership to mainly clear bracken from around the concentric stone circle on Birkrigg Common, near Ulverston.

The work will enhance the visitor experience, opening up the site and allowing people to explore the full extent of the monument. It is also increasing the visibility of the archaeological remains, protecting them from accidental damage, which may occur when they are hidden beneath the vegetation.

Under the supervision of archaeologist Louise Martin, the work is being carried out by the Morecambe Bay Partnership, Historic England and volunteers from Cumbria Wildlife Trust and Ford Park Community Group.

Ms 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.”

A further benefit of the project is the reuse of the bracken waste, which is being transported by local volunteers to Ford Park Community Group for use in the kitchen garden.