VOLUNTEERS from Hayscastle Environmental Society have been hard at work creating new habitats for wildlife with help from the Welsh Government’s flagship community initiative.

Tidy Towns, a partnership between Keep Wales Tidy and all 22 local authorities, is designed to help volunteer groups take charge of their local environment. Funded by Welsh Government since 2008, the programme is making inroads into helping regenerate the environment through community action across Wales.

The Hayscastle volunteers are dedicated to promoting environmental awareness and supporting local wildlife. As well as maintaining village flower beds and a two acre community woodland, the group has recently created nine nesting boxes for barn owls in the Brandy Brook Valley. They are also helping to inspire the next generation environmental leaders with its Grasshopper Club – a thriving environmental and growing club for children and young people.

Dave Baster from Hayscastle Environmental Society said: "I am so proud of what HES has achieved over the past 14 years. We are lucky to have such skilled and energetic volunteers who understand the local environment and are willing to brave all weathers to keep the village looking nice. The enthusiasm of the younger generation is particularly pleasing. We are truly grateful to Tidy Towns for helping us make a difference.”

Mari Williams, project officer for Keep Wales Tidy said: “It’s a pleasure working with HES volunteers in helping them care for the village and surrounding area. Volunteers are the lifeblood of the community and with their hard work, and the support of Tidy Towns, they have done so much to benefit the community and the environment.”

If anyone is interested in joining the group to help them carry out invaluable work for the community please contact Dave Baster on 07875 237508.