AT this time last year, the Bourne Conservation Group (BCG) held its first ever work session in Langham’s Recreation Ground.

In partnership with Waverley Borough Council, the group cleared a large amount of litter disfiguring the popular open space between Ridgway Road and Aveley Lane.

Since then, there has been much less litter but the group still removed some more when it returned on Sunday, February 7.

BCG chairman Noel Moss said: “On this occasion, we were able to concentrate on improving the wooded area adjoining Aveley Lane that provides valuable cover for birds and other wildlife.

“It is a potentially attractive wood which some of our members have previously surveyed and found a good number of native trees and plants present.

“But much of it was heavily overgrown with brambles, and invasive species such as laurel, which would swamp the other plants and reduce its attraction to people, especially children, who could otherwise use its many small paths.”

Mr Moss added it was important to carry out this work before the start of the main nesting season for the many birds that use the woodland.

He continued: “We were blessed with a beautiful winter morning and so morale was high. Some really excellent work was completed, with a huge pile of green waste to be removed by Waverley’s contractor.

“We believe we have therefore successfully continued our mission to keep that little wood in a good condition and laid a good foundation for some future improvement works.

“We are grateful to all who turned out to help, including some neighbours to the site.”

The Bourne Conservation Group is a group of volunteers who share a concern for the environment and a desire to contribute to keeping the area attractive.

Founded in 2002, the group assists in the maintenance and improvement of local open spaces and rights-of-way for the benefit of both residents and wildlife.

It always welcomes new members.

For more information email [email protected] or visit the website www.bourneconservation.org.uk.