MORE woodland schemes, environmental works and access projects for the public are to be created.

Scurrah Associates, in Boroughbridge, is the successful bidder for a countryside management contract with Yorkshire Water, potentially worth more than £1m.

The company has more than 30 years experience in such work and, under its contract with Yorkshire Water, it will be creating wildlife habitats, managing timber production and landscape design, and ensuring woodlands are managed to high environmental standards.

Yorkshire Water's catchment and recreations manager, Geoff Lomas, said: "We are one of the country's biggest landowners and we take our responsibility to the environment very seriously indeed."

Scurrah Associates managing director Wayne Scurrah said: "Winning the contract is a significant step for us and we are delighted to be working in partnership with Yorkshire Water.

"We are aware of the company's high standards in land and countryside management and of the challenges which lie ahead, but we are confident we can meet them, and that the public who enjoy spending their leisure time on Yorkshire Water land will notice the difference."