GREEN-FINGERED volunteers have been out in force to carry out maintenance work at a Basingstoke nature reserve.

Members of the Black Dam Ponds and Eastrop Park Conservation Group met at the Black Dam Ponds Nature Reserve as part of an ongoing project.

The volunteers removed old steps that had become dangerous and some concrete slabs that used to make up a path, as well as taking part in some litter picking.

The nature reserve was the responsibility of the Hampshire County Council Wildlife Trust, but has recently been taken over by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

Marilyn Davies, the Basingstoke park ranger leading the volunteers, said: "The reason we are taking out the steps and the old path is to encourage people to stick to the main footpath, allowing nature to take its course in the area surrounding the pond.

"We certainly had a nice day for it and I was pleased to see so many people helping out."

The group's next project will be maintaining some of the older graves in South View Cemetery on April 16.

For more information, contact Amanda Robb on 01256 845631.