A NEW haven for wildlife has been created in Berkeley.

Known as Sarah's Field, members of the Stroud Valleys Project have been digging ponds and bogs which have combined with grassland, meadow and fruit trees to become a wildlife water meadow.

"When you make a pond, it's a real magnet for life," said SVP's Fred Miller, who has been working on the project.

"We already have some toads, water beetles, voles and dragonflies.

"And are hoping that great crested newts will find their way here too.

"These are rare nationally, but they have been seen in the Berkeley area."

The project is only half completed, but is already open to the public.

"We hope it will become a place where people can walk and sit and enjoy wildlife and greenery," said Fred.

Further plans at the site include the construction of a dipping platform, where children can stand with nets and go pond dipping.