Black Hill Wood, which occupies 30.32 acres of woodland off Simonstone Road, above the village, has been placed for auction by owners United Utilities as a nearby reservoir has become redundant.

The centuries-old wood is a popular spot for walkers who regularly use a path created by Lancashire County Council and a log-seat placed there by Sabden Horticultural Society.

Chairman of Sabden Parish Council Coun. Tony Haworth said the wood was a picturesque backdrop to the village, full of wildlife and well used.

He said: "I would hope that whoever buys the wood will treat it with the respect it deserves as it is home to lots of wildlife. It has been there for centuries and I hope it will be there for centuries more to come."

Coun. Haworth composed a poem which was placed on the log-seat. It reads: "Sit awhile and ponder on Sabden village yonder. A village built on mortal toil beneath old Pendle's wonder."

Ribble Valley Borough Council confirmed the wood is part of the Forest of Bowland "area of outstanding natural beauty" which means there are considerable restrictions on any building development. A spokesman added that felling trees there was not allowed unless it was to maintain or manage the woodland.

Black Hill Wood will go up for auction at Manchester United's Old Trafford ground on Thursday, October 16th, at noon, where it is being touted as worth between £20,000 and £40,000 with Preston auctioneers Pugh and Company.

A spokesman for United Utilities said: "We can confirm we plan to auction Black Hill Wood. The reservoir on the north side of Simonstone Road has not been operational for some time and the site no longer supports our core role as the region's water provider. Any future use of the site would obviously be subject to consent from the local planning authority and other relevant bodies.

"United Utilities has a large and varied estate across the North-West, and from time to time, land comes up for sale, when it no longer supports our core function."