NATURE lovers could be set to benefit from new facilities at woodland south of Kidlington.

Plans are afoot to rejuvenate 47 acres of land adjacent to sports pitches at Stratfield Brake, leased by the Woodland Trust.

The charity - which runs more than 20 woodlands in Oxfordshire - wants to resurface paths, install footbridges, bird watching platforms, new signs and picnic areas, and improve disabled access.

Public consultation into the proposals is due to begin.

Loren Eldred, Woodland Trust officer for Oxfordshire, said many people were unaware of the area.

"We would like to make the site better and more user-friendly," he said. "There must be even local people who do not know it is there sometimes because it's not well publicised.

"It's time to see what people want. We don't want to do anything radical, just build the kind of things you would expect at such a site. "

The Woodland Trust site at Stratfield Brake is split into wetlands, newly-planted trees and mature woodlands, and nestles alongside the sports pitches leased by the parish council.

The exact nature of the plans, which could run into tens of thousands of pounds, have yet to be finalised.

David Betts, chairman of the Stratfield Brake management committee, welcomed the idea of improving access to the woodlands, especially if it meant better paths around the sports pitches.

He said: "The trust has presented its ideas to the committee and I have to say we are very receptive.

"They are trying to make the area more accessible for disabled people and we are hoping more definite footpaths will stop people with dogs walking across the football and cricket pitches.

"With careful management we can overcome these problems - it's a balancing act."

Residents can contact Woodland Trust officers with ideas for the site by calling 01476 581135.