A NEW group has been launched to promote enjoyment and safety at a beauty spot.

The new Turbary Common and Fernheath Valley Heathwatch committee is hoping to encourage more residents to use the common as a resource to help youngsters, the disabled and people with health problems.

And chairman Ray Wills said the new group in Bournemouth is looking to help people to appreciate the range of wildlife at the common.

He said: “It’s quite exciting.

“We want to look after the common and make sure local people use it.

“It’s important we retain the common for use by local people.

“The group needed to be reformed after the old heathwatch group ended two years ago.

“And I saw it as an opportunity for our residents group to act upon.”

The new heathwatch group is being run by the ACT Community Residents’ Association, run by people from the Turbary Park Avenue and Acres Road area in East Howe.

Animals seen on the common include sand lizards, adders and rabbits, and ponies and cows have been placed there by the council to graze as part of the heath management.

Birds spotted there include the Dartford Warbler and the new group is planning to erect bird and bat boxes after a £500 grant from BBC Radio Solent was passed on to the new committee.

The group is working with the council’s parks team and will be meeting up with a rights of way group to try and look at ways of improving disabled access.

The new heathwatch group has also been discussing ways of deterring arsonists and getting early warnings out about any fires.

Ray thanked treasurer Dot Donworth “for all her work” behind the group and is looking forward to setting up walks for residents.

“It’s terrific for your health with the fresh air there,” he added.

“I think the wildlife and habitat here is appreciated and it’s such a big area.

“The support from the parks department at the council has been great.”