GLOSSOP is set to become one of the country’s most attractive areas for birdlife with the creation of a huge nature reserve bordering the national park.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is believed to be in the final stages of negotiations with landowners, United Utilities, abut its future use.

It hopes to turn a huge swathe of land into a conservation area where normal activities such as farming can continue but always with the birdlife in mind.

The proposed site will stretch from Saddleworth in the north to Glossop in the south, taking in the Arnfield and Dovestones reservoirs and the Chew Valley.

The area is rich in wildlife, especially moorland birds such as the curlew, ring ouzel and the golden plover. There are also peregrine falcons, short eared owls and many wetland birds. And in addition to the many species of birds there is also an abundance of roe deer, which were first spotted in the area by readers 20 years ago.

Advertiser wildlife writer Sean Wood said: "Although this is not confirmed, it’s fantastic news for bird life around Glossop. United Utilities aren’t bad landowners, but to have a site like this will be so good for the area. It’s just great news all round. With the possibility of a visitor centre and properly managed moorland which can be attractive to wildlife and still be used by farmers, it’s long overdue and indeed recognition of what a beautiful place it is."

Helen Wilson for United Utilities said: "This land is water catchment land that allows water to run into the reservoirs.  We have a partnership where we work with the RSPB to manage the land. We’re making sure that it’s managed in a way that’s good for wildlife, good for the environment and good for maintaining water quality."