A GROUP devoted to restoring a meadow in Chippenham to its former glory is looking for more volunteers.

The Baydons Meadow Wildlife Group has been meeting on the first Sunday of every month for the last three years to carry out conservation work in the traditional floral hay meadow. Michael Sammes, chairman of the organisation said: "We are always looking for more members of the local community to be involved in this work.

"The meadow is a real asset to the community where people can enjoy, experience and learn about the plants and creatures which live right on their doorstep." Baydons Meadow, which is off Long Close, was once full of different grasses, brightly coloured wildflowers and the sights and sounds of all manner of wildlife, from grasshoppers to barn owls.

It is the aim of volunteers to return the meadow to this state by creating an environment for plants and animals to thrive.

Since the end of the Second World War, 97 per cent of Britain's traditional floral hay meadows have been lost, which is why Mr Sammes believes this conservation work is vitally important.

"We have about 10 to a dozen people involved at the moment and on any one Sunday we have between six and eight people turning up," he said. "This project is probably going to run between 10 and 20 years before we get to the stage where the work would be complete."

The main tasks the volunteers carry out include shrub planting, weed control, hedgerow management, recording species and lots of wild flower planting. Volunteer Chris Coward said: "By joining us you meet new people, share and learn new skills and get fresh air and exercise without paying to go to the gym.

"You will also be rewarded by being a part of recreating this wonderful habitat, of which so much has been lost in recent years." A leaflet about the meadow is available from Chippenham Tourist Information Centre and a self-lead education pack has been produced for teachers and leaders of junior groups to use at the site.

A junior wildlife watch group, with members aged 8-11, also uses the meadow for a variety of fun and educational activities. All tools for the conservation tasks are provided, so people who want to get involved are advised to turn up the next time the group gets together and meet the other members.

Under 16s are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. For more information contact Michael Sammes on (01249) 654608.