A NATURE reserve in Baldock is to benefit from a �33,000 improvement programme.

The springs, wetland, wildflowers and woodland at Ivel Springs, on the northern edge of Baldock, are in need of care and attention.

New open water areas will be created that will benefit invertebrates such as dragonflies and damselflies.

Clearing glades and making reptile homes will give grass snakes and lizards more places to roam.

Seeding areas with native wildflowers and planting new hedges will improve the area for all the wildlife that use the site.

Public access will be improved, with new paths, ramps and steps, and the opening up of viewing areas will allow more people to enjoy the reserve.

The programme of improvements has been developed by Herts County Council’s (HCC) Countryside Management Service for North Herts District Council, working closely with people in the community.

It is being funded by Biffaward - a multi-million pound environment fund managed by The Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts - which utilises landfill tax credits donated by Biffa Waste Services.

Cllr Richard Thake, HCC’s executive member for environment, said: “Ivel Springs is a real environmental success story. The site was used as a household rubbish dump for many years and then reverted to rough woodland. Now it is carefully managed to keep a mixed habitat and encourage wildlife to flourish. The new development programme will do much to improve this already beautiful area.”

Much of the work at Ivel Springs will be carried out by the Friends of Baldock Greenspaces - a dedicated group of volunteers who run practical tasks at Ivel Springs and Weston Hills.

To find out more about the group and how you can get involved, visit www.hertslink.org/cms/getinvolved/friendsofgreen