大象传媒

It means the sites will now get special funding to maintain them and to help protect the wildlife that live there. Animals on the reserve, which covers woodlands and wildflower meadows, include bats, great crested newts and water voles.

There are already three local nature reserves in the borough: the Manor in Harold Hill听 the Chase in Rush Green, and Ingrebourne Valley covering Hornchurch Country Park and the adjacent marshes.

Two special opening events are being lined up to help encourage local people to find out more about the reserves and what they have to offer. The first will take place at Cranham Marsh on Sunday 30 November between 10am and 3pm.

The second will be at Cranham Brickfields on Sunday 14 December between 10am and 3pm. Conservationists will be on hand to explain the work they do, and there'll also be guided tours and the chance to try your hand at conservation activities.

There will also be a number of volunteering opportunities where you can get your hands dirty helping to improve the area for local wildlife. Tools and training will be provided. All you need to do is turn up in some old clothes, bring your enthusiasm and be prepared to get dirty!

The projects will be held between 10am and 3pm on the following dates:

Cranham Marsh:

Sunday 30 November, Thursday 11 December, Sunday 28 December, Thursday 8 January, Sunday 25 January, Thursday 12 February, Sunday 22 February, Thursday 12 March and Sunday 29 March.

Cranham Brickfields:

Sunday 14 December, Sunday 11 January, Sunday 8 February and Sunday 8 March.
If you'd like to find out more click on the link below.