14 March, 2005

Photo opportunity: Sunday 20 March at 11am, local volunteers plant a hedge at the Saxon Gate nature reserve in Bury St Edmunds, helped by Cllr Terry Clements, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Sport and ward members.

With spring fast approaching and days becoming warmer, do you have a few hours to spare on Sunday mornings to help improve a nature reserve that’s home to an important wildlife habitat?

Park Rangers at St Edmundsbury Borough Council are seeking volunteers to help them carry out a range of work on the Saxon Gate nature reserve, home to the internationally protected great crested newt.  You’ll be helping to create a space where local people can go to watch the abundance of wildlife in this area and includes activities such as clearing scrub, planting, general tidying up and path maintenance.

The first task is to get to grips with planting shrubs that will grow into a hedge by the area known as the Grindle Paddock.

Doreen Tilley, one of the volunteers said:

“This is a beautiful spot with so much wildlife to appreciate, such as water voles, water shrews, kingfishers and great spotted woodpeckers. It’s also a brilliant way to meet new people, and get plenty of exercise and fresh air at the same time.”

Cllr Terry Clements, Portfolio Holder for Sport and Leisure said:

“St Edmundsbury is committed to protecting and enhancing sites of nature conservation interest.This is a fantastic project that enables local people to get involved in their green space and their hard work will mean that people will be able to enjoy the variety of wildlife here for years to come.”

There are plans to enter the nature reserve into the environmental category of the 2005 Bury in Bloom competition.

All ages and abilities are welcome to join the volunteer group and sessions are planned to take place once every two to three months on Sunday mornings. If you are interested in volunteering, or have an idea for improving the Saxon Gate, please ring 01284 757063.

ENDS

Notes to editors

·         Please meet on the open space just off Rockingham Road/Tannery Drive (see map attached to press release).

·         Cllr Terry Clements will be joined by Abbeygate ward members Cllr Mike Ames and Cllr Paul Farmer.