ARK volunteers gave over 6,300 hours to conservation projects in the area surrounding the river Kennet.

The most recent venture included litter picking by the riverbanks of Stonebridge Wild

River Reserve, The Priory Gardens, Waitrose riverbank in Hillier's Yard and Pewsey Road Bridge.

Action for the River Kennet project officer Anna Forbes said: "The volunteers have done an amazing job, litter picking is not pleasant and shouldn't really be necessary as there are plenty of bins. It is really important to keep our rivers free from litter."

Winter pruning was carried out which will promote denser growth, invasive grass was removed and canes and protecting spirals were replaced.

Litter can be fatal to wildlife and volunteers at Action for the River Kennet have been carrying out work for the last four years planting hedges and trees to stop pollution entering the river and offer habitats for wildlife.

Over 3,000 trees from 12 different varieties have been planted by the public and through additional sessions by St John's students Scout, Cub, and Beaver groups.

If you would like to volunteer for ARK contact anna@riverkennet.org