A COMMUNITY conservation group marked its 10th birthday with a special anniversary celebration last month.

The Anton River Conservation Association (TARCA) marked a decade of wildlife conservation with an event at Goodworth Clatford Village Club on Sunday, May 26, which was attended by the group’s volunteers and Andover mayor Councillor Richard Rowles.

TARCA vice chairman Graeme Davis said: “It was an unusual party because we started off with a yoga session, which I wasn’t expecting, and I don’t think the mayor was expecting either.”

Other activities throughout the day included a barbecue, boules and giant Jenga. The mayor also had a chance to ask the group about their greatest concerns — namely the amount of litter in the local area.

TARCA is a community group of volunteers, set up to conserve the River Anton and its catchment area.

Graeme added: “Over the years TARCA has grown as an organisation, and we would like to thank everyone who has helped us, past, present and future. Here is to another ten years.”

TARCA’s next event is a ‘bioblitz’ at Rooksbury Mill from 10am-2pm on Saturday, June 8, where members of the public are invited to help record as much wildlife in the area as possible.