A STRETCH of South Lakeland woodland, which has been out of bounds to the public for decades, is to be opened up for the first time.

Dalton Crags, a native woodland east of Burton-in Kendal, is a Site of Special Scientific Interest with limestone pavements and native woodland.

The woodland's owner, the Dalton Hall Estate, leases the 294-acre patch to the Forestry Commission. But previously the terms of the lease had only allowed access to Dalton Crags for forestry purposes.

But thanks to a recent agreement between both parties, the public is free to roam in the woods for the next 800 years.

Martin Colledge, the commission's forester for the area, welcomed the agreement.

He said: "It's a wonderful woodland and a place dear to my heart and we're delighted that the public now have an opportunity to enjoy it too.

"Dalton Crags is a beautiful place to go, it is a wild woodland with extensive views out towards Morecambe Bay."

Francis MasonHornby, of Dalton Hall Estate, said: "We've long been keen to grant access to the public but we just had to untangle the terms of the lease."

Mr Mason-Hornby said he wanted to ensure that the area remained protected so that future generations could continue to enjoy the woodland.

"It is a very special area. It is unspoilt and that is what makes it such a wonderful place to explore, especially for children."