A £3M project to protect wildlife habitats along Cheshire's Sandstone Ridge could create employment for 550 people.

The project, supported by the Duke of Westminster and the Bolesworth Estate, aims to attract £2-3m Heritage Lottery funding next year and would be unique in this country.

It would be good for the environment and help the diversification of the struggling rural economy by providing employment in managing the habitat as well as attracting thousands of visitors.

David Pickering, chairman of the Feasibility Study Board, which looked at how to make the vision a reality, said: 'An ecological network in Cheshire known as ECOnet is a unique project in England and will help raise the profile and attractiveness of Cheshire and regenerate the rural economy.'

The scheme involves the creation and restoration of heathland, meres, mosses, woodland and grassland equivalent to the area of 1,100 football pitches alongside Sandstone Ridge area that covers 10% of Cheshire.

Sites for possible inclusion are Little Budworth Common, Bickerton Hill and Delamere Forest.

According to the feasibility study, the project could create 550 jobs across the county over the next 20 years.

Farmers would receive financial incentives to manage their land in a less intensive way, without chemical fertilisers, giving nature a fighting chance.

They may be able to move into areas such as beekeeping.

Quarry owners would be encouraged to allow their land to be 'given back' to wildlife once the commercial activity has ceased.

Bed and breakfasts, shops and cafés could benefit from the extra visitors into the countryside. Storytellers could be hired to give talks on the history of the landscape.

Environmentalists are concerned that existing areas for flora and fauna are becoming smaller and isolated from each other threatening the long term survival of species such as sand lizards and certain butterflies.

Ecological networks are new to Britain but commonplace in mainland Europe. Holland has had a national ecological network since 1990. The project will need the co-operation of many landowners who have so far been 'positive' about the venture and should lead to closer working between neighbouring farms.

A local funding package must be put forward to attract cash from national funders. The county council will consider dipping into its own pocket and has approached companies in the area such as Tarmac whose Crown Farm site, at Delamere, could contribute significantly.

Views on the vision are currently being sought from people based along the route of the Sandstone Ridge in villages like Frodsham, Helsby, Alvanley, Manley, Delamere, Oakmere, Mouldsworth, Kelsall, Willington, Tarporley, Eaton, Beeston, Peckforton, Bickerton, Bulkeley, Tattenhall, Spurstow, Rushton, Little Budworth and Cuddington.

The 100-page document generated by the study was supported by the North West Development Agency, Forestry Commission, local businesses and communities.

'This document has uncovered the amazing potential of the Sandstone Ridge,' said Cheshire's Environment Strategic Panel chairman, County Councillor Steve Wilkinson.

'There is an opportunity here to help realise the Cheshire and Warrington Tourism Board's vision for Cheshire in which the development of rural tourism is a key theme.

'Importantly, the study has clearly demonstrated how the creation of new wildlife habitats, combined with increased opportunities for public enjoyment, could bring new money into Cheshire and to help support the rural economy.'

For information, contact Mike Wellman, development officer for the Sandstone Ridge ECOnet Partner-ship, on 01244 603195.