There can be very few people indeed in Weymouth who would not be happy to see a six-acre wooded area designated as a nature reserve.

Radipole Wood was planted as a community woodland and already provides a shelter for planyts and animals in an ever less environmentally-friendly built-up area.

This green lung and oasis of calm can be found between Radipole Lane and Weymouth Way and could still be subject to development if it is not given further protection be Dorset County Council, whose 'cabinet' is set to debate the issue tomorrow.

The council's Local Nature Reserve offices; Lyn Cooch, points out that if Radipole Wood is given the enhanced status it would automatically provide protection from development.

There can be little downside to making a decision to grant nature reserve status to the wood, which can provide enjoyment for adults as well as education for youngsters interested in learning more about the natural world around them.

And that's on top of making sure that plants and animals have a safe haven for many years to come.