A LONE ranger will be roaming over a vandal-hit nature reserve to ensure all in the woodland is rosy.

Ecology graduate Heather Bainbridge has just stepped into the newly-created role as ranger for Lyppard Pond in Warndon Villages, which has been targeted by litterbugs and vandals in recent years.

Worcester City Council recently purchased a dinghy specifically to deal with litter-dumping, as well as help with the day-to-day clean-up operation and conservation of the lake. The council says that only last week it recovered a burnt-out moped from the water.

Monitoring

Miss Bainbridge will be monitoring the wildlife within the reserve which is not only noted for its rich diversity of plants, but is also nationally recognised as one of the last preserves for the Great Crested Newt, threatened with extinction and protected under international law.

Once part of the Lyppard estate, the pond and surrounding woodland are now part of the growing Warndon Villages.

"Litter and vandalism are a problem here, but there's more to it than reacting to the actions of a few thoughtless people who seem intent on spoiling it for others," said Miss Bainbridge.

"Because Lyppard Pond is such an important site, there's terrific potential for all kinds of pro-active initiatives too, so there's a job to be done in terms of extending locals' appreciation of conservation and nature issues as they're happening, right on their doorstep."

Before taking up her role, Miss Bainbridge spent two years working as an assistant ranger with Worcester City Council.

As well as keeping a close watch on the lake and its surroundings, half of her time will be spent on other ranger activities including forging links with schools and other activities with the Duckworth Worcestershire Trust.