A NEWLY formed group of volunteer park rangers are to rebuild a wildlife habitat hedge to launch their WildXscapes @ Stewart Park scheme.

Students from Unity City Academy are the first to sign up for one of the groups at the Middlesbrough park.

WildXscapes Junior, Young and Volunteer Rangers, supported by The Friends of Stewart Park and park staff, will hold environmental and conservation workshops to increase awareness of wild native plants and animals.

The first task they will undertake will be to pull apart and rebuild a Brash hedge made of pruned branches, twigs and green waste from trees and shrubs.

Nicky Morgan, from Stewart Park, said: “The groups will help to further involve the local community in the life of the park, with a key focus on the creation and management of wildlife habitats.

“They’ll play a pivotal role in the creation of three separate differing habitats in the park - wet meadow, woodlands and wild flower meadow – as well as creating an eco-hub classroom/social space which will be used for events and activities.”

Schools across the town have been invited to get involved, but the groups are aimed at everyone up to the age of 25.

Young rangers will learn how to use a selection of hand tools, identify native wild plants and animals and carry out surveys, plant trees, bulbs and plants along with much more.

Volunteer rangers do not need experience but an interest in native plants, wildlife and working outdoors with like-minded people is essential.

For more information contact Nicky Morgan on 01642 515643 or email nicola_morgan@middlesbrough.gov.uk