CREEPY crawlies, birds and small animals will have a new place to live after hard work by Marlborough’s Beavers, Cubs and Scouts.

The youngsters were out in force on Saturday afternoon to put their green fingers to use at Stonebridge Wild River Reserve.

The event was organised by Action for the River Kennet (ARK) and 130 trees, donated by the Woodland Trust, were added to the wildlife hedge.

The children also added to the bug palace, which is a unit of shelves filled with vegetation including hay, bamboo canes, leaves and sawn hazel to attract insects.

Anna Forbes, ARK’s Stonebridge Wild River Reserve project officer, said: “The Marlborough Scouts approached me because they were interested in conservation projects and working outside.

“The work we are doing in Stonebridge Meadow seemed like a perfect fit.

“Earlier in the year, I took them for a tour and spoke to them about what we’ve created in Stonebridge and why we’ve done what we’ve done.

“They were all really enthusiastic, so I thought it would be good to get them involved in this project.

“It was a really nice afternoon. They were really enthusiastic and loved it. One little boy said it was the best day of his life, which was really nice to hear.

“Some of the boys were familiar with Stonebridge and others weren’t, so it was a really great way to get them to know about the project.

“They’ve all said they’ll be coming back, which is fantastic.”

Once the new hedge has fully grown, ARK hopes it will attract a range of birds, insects and small mammals.

Mrs Forbes said: “It will really improve the landscape and will be aesthetically pleasing once it has grown in and will improve the biodiversity of the area.”

There will be another planting session this Saturday, from 2pm, which anybody can attend. Volunteers need to wear wellies and bring a spade.