A Brushcutter machine has been presented to staff of the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust by gas pipeline company Transco at Swindon's Hagbourn Copse.

Worth £600, it is used to cut paths through dense grass, weeds and other problem vegetation.

The machine will be used at the Hagbourn Copse to clear a southern ride or pathway that will then be planted with woodland shade plants.

The ride will re-route visitors away from the current path, which runs through a bluebell meadow which will be expanded.

Swindon Wildlife Officer Neil Pullen explained: "We are really grateful to Transco for donating this wonderful piece of equipment.

"It will enable us to undertake work for the benefit of wildlife and the people of Swindon."

The cutter is also destined for use at other Wildlife Trust sites in Swindon including Haven Wildflower Meadow and Rushy Platt and the machine will play a major part of the essential habitat management programme.