SHEEP are set to return to Avon Meadows in Pershore to help in the efforts to restore the local nature reserve to a flower-rich paradise.

Over the summer extensive wildlife surveys were undertaken, including the discovery of what plants are growing in the meadows.

Following this it was found some areas of the nature reserve had the potential to be perfect for the traditional flowers and plants which used to be at the wetland years ago, such as Great burnet, Lady’s bedstraw and perhaps the rare Snake’s head fritillary.

Liz Etheridge, Wetlands for All project officer, said: "The sight of an old-fashioned flower-filled hay meadow is something that has almost disappeared from our countryside.

"By reintroducing autumn grazing, we are returning to the way Avon Meadows would have been managed in the past.

"Sheep are very good at nibbling off grass, something which we have a lot of, and we hope that by reducing the amount of grass we have, it will give other plants a chance to thrive."

Once the sheep have done their work, the Friends of Avon Meadows plan to sow locally collected yellow rattle seed in some parts of the meadows.

The sheep will be on the meadows until Christmas at the latest.

Visitors to Avon Meadows are asked to make sure they close all gates after themselves and to keep their dogs under close control while the sheep are on site, which is only for a short time.