A GROUP set up to help protect and promote a Hampshire wildlife reserve has been given a £1,000 cash boost.

Friends of Fishlake Meadows volunteer group, from Romsey, have been given the funds to contribute towards the start up costs for the association as it bids to help secure the future of the reserve.

The meadows comprises a mix of floodplain habitats, which are rarely seen in the region's chalk river valleys. It supports more than 170 species of birds, including hunting osprey.

It is also home to 24 species of dragonfly and damselfly, as well as mammals such as otter and water vole.

Thirty-nine volunteers have contributed almost 300 hours of their time to look after Fishlake Meadows after they set up at the turn of the year.

Romsey ward member, cllr Dorothy Baverstock said: "Almost 80 people have already expressed an interest in volunteering at Fishlake Meadows, which can only benefit the nature reserve and the visitor experience. This is such a unique and special habitat for the community to enjoy."

The cash has come in the form of a councillor community grant, which is a scheme set up by Test Valley Borough Council to fund community-led initiatives.

Councillors can allocate funds to projects that they identify as meeting a need in the community, based on residents' feedback.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust reserve officer, Jo Armson, said: "We are delighted with the Friends of Fishlake Meadows' achievements so far and the grant will help us to continually build on this success.

"With around 20 volunteers becoming wardens for Fishlake Meadows, we will now be able to increase our presence, engage with visitors and report on any issues.

"The volunteers will also be involved in dragonfly, butterfly and flower surveys."