PUPILS have been getting their hands dirty by volunteering to improve local nature reserves.

The group of senior boys from Winchester College have been working alongside the TV presenter and the college’s fellow of natural history Nick Baker to improve habitats on nature reserves.

The boys were involved in many activities, including removing and replacing fencing, hedgerow planting and carrying out tree surveys on different reserves and other wildlife-rich spaces around Winchester. Their efforts have improved conditions for species including skylarks, grey partridge, common lizards and slow worms, with conservation forming part of the college’s community service programme.

Nick Baker, who is also vice-president of the wildlife trust, said: “In addition to supporting their local community and its fantastic natural riches, the boys have garnered a deeper understanding of the work that the trust does, its relevance to wildlife conservation, as well as the well-being and health of local communities. We look forward to getting involved with even more projects in the future.”

Ellie Green, assistant Itchen Valley grazing and reserves officer added: “It’s been fantastic to see young people giving up their time to help look after their local countryside and wild spaces. Volunteers are at the heart of the Wildlife Trust’s work, contributing over 44,000 hours of their time to our work every year.”