It could have been wildebeest, giraffes or even dragons, but creators of the April Fools article in last week's Malvern Gazette & Ledbury Reporter chose buffalo.

The introduction of American buffalo to St Wulstan's Nature Reserve was a story invented by Andy Lyon and Graham Purcocks, of the volunteer warden group.

"We were walking round the reserve one day and discussing the best ways to clear the brambles and keep the grass down," said Mr Lyon.

"We were saying how giraffes, wildebeest, zebras or buffalo would do the trick.

"Then we remembered the Gazette was coming out on April Fools' Day, so decided to do a spoof story."

He and Mr Purcocks went to Gloucester-shire to be photographed with Rafiki the water buffalo.

"We thought because it was a water buffalo, people might twig.

"American buffalo are much bigger, I wouldn't like to stand next to one of those for a picture."

He said a few people had called, asking when the buffalo would arrive.

District councillor John Tretheway was among those who called the Gazette to check.

"While I was out, my wife had numerous phonec alls asking about it," he said

"I though it was amusing, but some people may take it seriously."

Mr Lyon said: "It was not meant to upset anybody and was a light-hearted bit of fun."

Although representatives from the reserve are considering grazing measures, Mr Lyon said buffalo definitely were not an option.