A CONSERVATION group in Yate has been commended for helping preserve the future of a much-loved nature reserve.

The Wapley Bushes nature reserve, located just off Shire Way, is currently under threat from a disease that will destroy its ash trees.

However efforts from the Wapley Bushes Conservation Group mean that the ancient woodland will be protected in the future.

Volunteers in the group have been busy planting new trees at the reserve, and have been awarded a South Gloucestershire Council Chair’s Community Award as a result.

Paul Hulbert, of the Conservation Group, said: "We are very proud to receive this award - it's the first time the Community Award has been given to groups rather than individuals.

"We've been looking after Wapley Bushes for 24 years on behalf of owners Dodington Parish Council, but now it's time to look further into the future."

According to Paul, the biggest threat to the nature reserve is ash dieback disease, which is now within a dozen miles of Yate.

Should the disease hit the nature reserve, trees that form the canopy of the woodland will die.

The Wapley Bush Conservation Group are now taking the first steps in a 20 year strategy to ensure the future of the reserve.

Paul explained: “We have started a long-term programme of replacement planting with different tall native species - oak, whitebeam, black poplar and small-leaved lime"

"We planted our first batch of 30 trees last weekend (25 March), with the help of South Gloucestershire's new Member Awarded Funding scheme.

“We are aiming to plant another 90 trees next winter, gradually working our way through the woodland.

“By the time we start seeing major effects from ash dieback, the new trees should be at least semi-mature and the reserve will be able to carry on supporting a wide range of species"

Wapley Bushes Local Nature Reserve has been a regular South West in Bloom and Green Flag Community Award winner.

The Conservation Group runs a range of work mornings, walks and activities - for further information please contact Paul Hulbert on 01454 315851 or paul.hulbert@gmail.com.