STUDENTS from Bromsgrove Senior and Pre-Preparatory Schools spent a day taking part in practical conservation activities in Catshill earlier this month.

The volunteers were constructing some backwater ponds in Sanders Park, as part of a water vole conservation project they’ve been involved with for several years.

The ponds, which lie away from the main water course of Battlefield Brook, provide an environment for the water voles.

Meanwhile other students spent a morning coppicing willow, which was woven into a living fence, and planted more than 1000 iris bulbs., which will provide a year round food supply for the voles.

Group leader Mrs Judith Holden, said: “All tasks were undertaken with enthusiasm despite the copious amounts of mud. It was lovely to see our oldest and youngest pupils working together on such a valuable project.”