GREEN-fingered volunteers from across the Midlands descended on a field in Astwood Bank to help get the area ready for summer Scouting activities.

Members of the Scout and Guide Graduate Association (SAGGA) travelled to Redditch Scouts’ conservation area to help with a list of jobs that needed doing after the winter.

They helped build fences, lay hedges and prepare the amenities.

The area receiving the attention, to the rear of Astwood Bank Scout and Guide headquarters in Manor House Lane, is affectionately known as Nash’s Acre after current Redditch District Scout Chairman, Peter Nash, who organised the purchase of the strip of land from Redditch Borough Council and Severn Trent Water.

It is used by Scouts and Guides within Redditch so their members can take part in outdoor activities and take in the local wildlife. It contains some ten varieties of wildflower and six varieties of grasses and boasts facilities such as a wildlife pond, bug and bee hides and a bug hotel as well as a shelter and a composting toilet.

Mr Nash said: "There’s always a lot of work to be done down at Nash’s Acre, but I’m extremely grateful to members of SAGGA who came along on Saturday. I think it’s true to say that a good day’s work was carried out."

SAGGA is a national association providing skilled service to Scouting and Guiding. Started in 1957, the organisation now has over 250 members, both in the UK and overseas.