BASHING and slashing volunteers are needed to give wildlife a helping hand in an area of important wetland this weekend.

The Swindon Water for Wildlife Project in conjunction with the Swindon Wildlife Project is calling on people to take part in the annual Christmas Bash and Slash on Sun-day.

This year the focus will on Thames Water's Tydeman Street Flood Storage Area in Gorse Hill.

Jo Sayers, project officer, said: "Bang in the middle of Swindon, the Tydeman Street Flood Storage Area is a rich reservoir of wildlife.

"We are inviting local people to come and help us keep it that way, by bashing and slashing overgrown vegetation along the side of the brook, and coppicing the wetland area alongside the balancing pond."

Hard work will be the order the day, but organisers promise bags of fun along the way. Neil Pullen, a Swindon Wildlife officer, said: "The Christmas Bash and Slash is our chance to say a big thank you to everyone who has helped us in 2003, making Swindon a wildlife-rich and environmentally friendly town.

"Just bring along something to share or cook on the barbecue."

The project starts at 10.30am. Meet outside the Sikh Temple or call Neil on 01793 526228 to arrange a lift from the Environment Centre in Fleet Street.