HEATHLAND near Exeter will be restored in a Forestry Commission project to encourage wildlife.

The work, on Ideford Common, within Haldon Forest, will ensure it remains a suitable habitat for breeding birds of prey, nightjars and butterflies.

The project is part funded by a £27,200 grant from the SITA Trust and £3,000 from Natural England.

The money will be used to graze cattle on the common area and pay for fencing and access points.

A pond will be excavated for the cattle to drink from and there will be felling of a small area of plantation woodland. A cattle corral will also be constructed.

The total cost of the project will be £57,600.