A WILDLIFE-rich oasis that has become a popular spot for youngsters to discover “the outdoor wonders of our natural environment” has undergone vital regeneration work.

Moves to preserve Corston Pond for the next generation have gone ahead after St Paul Malmesbury Without Parish Council received £5,700 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

The former limestone quarry is a designated Local Nature Reserve known for a variety of wildlife such as flowers and butterflies while its scrub woodland provides nesting habitats for numerous birds.

The pond at the centre of the reserve, where schools, guides, cubs and brownie groups enjoy outdoor environmental education, is also teeming with wildlife including toads, newts, dragonflies and damselflies.

But after decades of falling leaves, “invasive willow” and choking reeds the pond is slowly silting up and was in danger of vanishing altogether without intervention.

Now they have been removed by local contractor Tristan Akers in conjunction with a group of local volunteers.

The work was imperative to prevent the loss of open water which is vital for the aquatic wildlife that thrives there.

Toads and newts, dragonflies and damselflies rely on clean water to complete their life cycle while the initiative was also seen as of great benefit to people who use the area regularly.

An initial clearing of silt took place last year following a £500 grant from Wessex Water which was fund matched by the parish council which owns the reserve.

Local resident Ann Skinner, who runs the volunteer group, said: “We are so pleased to have been awarded this grant. We couldn’t wait to get started.

“We love the pond and are delighted to be able to continue this restoration work to enable more people to enjoy visiting the site and to secure its future for the next generation.”

Head of HLF South West Nerys Watts said: “Projects such as this provide a wonderful opportunity for communities to improve their local heritage and we are delighted to be able to offer this grant.

“Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, Corston’s Local Nature Reserve can be restored and enhanced for people and wildlife.”