Ref. 28155-27Swindon Wildlife Project has held a celebration to thank its volunteers for their work throughout the year.

But organisers of Sunday's event, at Thames Water's street flood storage area in Gorse Hill, made sure it was more than simply a chance to eat and drink.

Those attending were put to work "bashing and slashing" overgrown vegetation along the side of the brook.

They also coppiced the wetland area alongside the balancing pond, a winter home for wading birds such as snipe, to encourage more reeds to grow.

The spot is one of several areas of wetlands, rivers and ponds where the Swindon Water For Wildlife project has been working for more than a year to improve wildlife habitats and enhance the environment.

"Bang in the middle of Swindon, the Tydeman Street flood storage area is a rich reservoir of wildlife," said project officer Jo Sayers.

"The Water For Wildlife Project and the Swindon Wildlife Project invited local people to come and help us keep it that way."

Swindon Wildlife Officer Neil Pullen said: "The Christmas Bash and Slash was our chance to say a big thank you to everyone who helped us in 2003, making Swindon a wildlife-rich and environmentally friendly town."

Volunteers were rewarded for their hard work with a bonfire and barbecue. Baked potatoes and cakes were on the menu.