A HOLMFIRTH man creating a wildlife reserve for the disabled is appealing for help to complete his dream.

Steve Sellars, 62, has spent the last two years working to complete the ambitious project on a 12-acre field at Birdsedge Lane, Birdsedge.

Now, after endless hours of tree planting and path laying, Mr Sellars is appealing for local volunteers to help him finish it.

Mr Sellars, of Greenfield Road, a self-employed landscape architect, said: "I am already working closely with organisations such as the Country Land and Business Association to gain funding for my project.

"But what I really need is a few more pairs of hands to provide practical help with tree and shrub planting, stone laying and path levelling."

Already 200 metres of path have been laid on the land, more than 2,000 trees have been planted and wheelchair-friendly access gates have been installed.

Mr Sellars now needs to create another 500 metres of pathways around the site and dig two small fishing lakes.

In the long term he hopes to erect a main building to act as an indoor viewing area for the lakes, with toilet facilities.

Powered via alternative energy sources, it will also provide charging points for electric wheelchairs and scooters.

Mr Sellars was inspired to develop the Birdsedge Project on his own land after becoming frustrated by the limited number of rural venues he could visit with his wheelchair-bound father.

He initially bought the land 10 years ago in a bid to develop a garden nursery.

His plans were sadly thwarted when thieves stole £8,000 worth of stock.

With no insurance cover he was forced to abandon the project.

When he later returned to the plot several years later, he was amazed by the variety of wildlife that had flourished in the field.

Mr Sellars added: "I couldn't believe what a haven it had become.

"I felt inspired to share this with people, who would not normally be able to experience such natural beauty first hand.

"And with a lot of blood, sweat and tears later, here I am."

Dorothy Fairburn, regional director of the CLA in Yorkshire, said: "It is a real pleasure to assist Steve in this project and I sincerely hope he will be able to muster enough local support to bring his plans to fruition soon."

Anyone who feels they can help Mr Sellars complete his project should call him on 01484 684797.