RARE species found close to a popular cycle path will be given protection through the work of two charities.

The water voles and pipistrelle bats living in the St Nicholas Fields nature reserve, off Foss Islands Path, are to become the subject of a voluntary project to monitor and manage their habitats.

Led by the eco-friendly charities of Sustrans and St Nicks, the work will involve the traffic free route between York and Osbaldwick being monitored by the groups to protect existing wildlife on the path and keep it clear for local walkers and cyclists.

Rupert Douglas, Sustrans’ North and East Yorkshire area manager, said: "Foss Islands Path provides a peaceful cycle and walkway for local people and tourists, but its trees, hedges and grassland means it also acts as a highway for wildlife travelling between the city’s two nature reserves.

Jonathan Dent, Nature Reserve manager at St Nicks, added: "We want to work to improve these habitats for nature as well as people, and improve the opportunities for picking fruit such as apples, blackberries, plums and sloes along the route too."