A GROUP of Royal Air Force personnel from Oakhanger have volunteered their time over the past six months to help the “regeneration of Bordon’s woodlands”.

They have helped the Deadwater Valley Trust in “revitalising the woodland behind the married quarters of Trenchard and St Lucia Park and other areas around the town”.

“We all take advantage of the area, whether it’s walking dogs or general rambling,”said RAF volunteer Corporal Daniel Mellor. “So why not spare some time to help maintain it?”

The work has included removing trees that hinder other species to provide a balance for wildlife to thrive. This work continued into building rustic fences from the felled trees, and helping excavation work done by the Woolmer Forest Heritage Society.

While staff numbers at RAF Oakhanger have lessened in recent decades, there is a “determination to have an impact on the future of the area”.

Personnel have given days of work over six months to help the charitable trust, and for many personnel this has continued on an individual basis during time off.

Organiser Cpl Terrence Tappin said: “We are pleased to volunteer to help in many causes throughout the year, but to see and gain from the improvements makes the task more real. Hopefully what we have aided in creating will last and benefit the area for many years.”

Cpl Tappin will continue to work with trust ranger Jamie Cummins “so that personnel on unit will continue to support their countryside”.