THE district council is one of 50 local authorities in the UK to join forces with a BBC run campaign.

Breathing Places will run for the next 12 months and the council has committed to make space for nature and create wildlife friendly communities in urban and rural locations across the district.

As the only council in Essex to take part in the scheme it will encourage people to join events, learn new skills and make a long lasting difference to their community.

Plans include holding regular volunteer days and transforming a number of sites for both people and wildlife over the next year.

BBC Breathing Places Project Executive Karen Gregory said: "I am delighted that Epping Forest District Council has joined us for what promises to be an exciting year for the Breathing Places Campaign.

"Working in partnership gives us both a wonderful opportunity to reach thousands of people and inspire them to get out and do one thing for nature."

Targets set for the year include tree planting, bird box building, pond clearance and litter clearance.