Dig the project

PLANS to turn a corner of a park into a haven for wildlife have started to take shape.

Local brownies and girl guides gathered in Sandy recreation ground to plant 750 hedge plants on Saturday that will hopefully form a thick hedge.

Under the guidance of local councillor Nigel Aldis, the girls and members of Beeston Wildlife Group managed to get stuck in and plant the young bushes in three hours.

The bushes were supplied by Bedfordshire County Council as part of their environmental programme and gratefully accepted by Sandy Town Council's environmental leisure focus group (ELF),

"Everyone worked very hard to plant all the hedges and I am grateful to the Sandy brownies and guides and the Beeston Wildlife Group for all their help," said Cllr Aldis who is chairman of ELF.

"The scheme will encourage the development of a habitat for all types of wildlife and give a soft screen to the fence and houses at the edge of the recreation ground.

"We must now all make sure the hedges thrive and grow which will enhance the recreation ground's environment and make it a pleasant area for everyone to enjoy."

The next event on the ELF agenda is on Sunday, June 18, when Sandy residents will be urged to get on their bikes for charity and ride to Bedford and back on Route 51 which is part of the national cycleway network.

The event will be to raise money for the children's ward at Bedford Hospital and the Marston Vale and Ivel and Ouse preservation projects. Anyone wishing to take part in the event should cycle the route from the tourist information centre in the Market Square and through the town.

"We are hoping as many people as possible join in this event," said Cllr Aldis, who will be taking part himself being a keen cyclist.

"It will raise money for two projects and be a nice day out and a great way to get some exercise and fresh air on a summer's day.