A WORCESTERSHIRE environmental group is starting the New Year in energetic fashion with two action days.

Monkwood Action Earth is looking for volunteers to help cut back invading vegetation along a woodland path in Monkwood nature reserve at Monkwood Green, near Hallow.

The work will take place on Sunday, January 5, starting at 10am. The aim is to attract the butterflies for which the wood is famous.

The project challenges people to get involved in a community scheme, carry out environmental improvements and work off any seasonal excesses.

The activity is part of a four-month campaign called Whitbread Action Earth, which is being organised by national charity Community Service Volunteers.

It involves more than 750 voluntary organisations, businesses and community groups.

"Monkwood is a very special place, an ancient woodland with historical records going back as far as 961AD," said reserve manager Paddy Harrison.

"To keep it attractive to wildlife, particularly butterflies, a certain amount of management work needs to be done each year, and this activity helps as part of that programme."

For more information about the action day, call Mr Harrison on 01905 641523.

A second project will take place on Saturday, January 11 at the same place. The 9th Hallow Scout group will be carrying out work as part of the Action Earth project under the guidance of the Monkwood management team.