Volunteers pave the way for birdwatchers

People can get closer to wildlife at a local nature reserve thanks to work by volunteers.

A team including colleagues from Lincolnshire Co-op grabbed shovels and wheelbarrows to create a new pathway at Besthorpe Nature Reserve.

The site, on the outskirts of Collingham, once was a quarry but now is a haven for wildlife with a lake and reed beds.

The volunteers laid and compacted stones to form a path from the site entrance to a bird hide.

It means people with pushchairs, wheelchairs and those with mobility issues can now access the hide more easily to bird watch and enjoy stunning views over the lake.

Southern Reserves Officer for Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust Chris Kennedy also joined in the volunteer work on Wednesday, 16th August as part of its support for the reserve.

“We’re massively appreciative of all the effort that was put in,” he said.

“This work will allow easy access from the car park into a previously inaccessible area for disabled people.

“The volunteers have worked their socks off.”

Eight volunteers from Lincolnshire Co-op worked to build the path, including colleagues from Information Support Systems, Pharmacy and Head Office.

Information Systems Senior Engineer Harvey Harrod said the team worked well together.

“It’s a bit of time in the open doing something worthwhile,” he added.