WORK is underway to restore a nature reserve in Wiltshire thanks to a donation from Wessex Water.

Corston Quarry and pond is a haven for wildlife including toads, newts with the nearby woodland acting as a home to many species of bird.

Over the last 20 years leaves falling into the pond decomposed, allowing invasive species such as reedmace to reduce the area of open water.

This silt now needs to be removed by machine to allow the aquatic wildlife to thrive but it is more work than the group of volunteers who manage the Reserve can do by hand.

Wessex Water’s Steven Coombs presented the team with a £500 Wessex Watermark cheque to help pay for a digger to begin de-silting the pond on Monday 13th October.

Ann Skinner, who leads the management of the Reserve said: “Corston pond and its immediate surrounds are an ideal spot to introduce children to the wonders of our natural environment. Bringing them here where they can pond dip and see for themselves the yearly cycle of life played out in front of their eyes is wonderful.

“Our Wessex Watermark Award has been a tremendous boost and the Parish Council has matched their £500. We have also asked for a financial contribution from the funds raised by Malmesbury Carnival.”