SIX hundred hours of work has been put in by 120 volunteers to clear a Dorset stream and help rare and threatened wildlife.

Otters and white-clawed crayfish are among those to benefit from the work to clear 2km (1.5 miles) of the Gussage Stream near Wimborne of weed and vegetation.

Volunteers and staff from Dorset Wildlife Trust and Sembcorp Bournemouth Water carried out the task, which complements the latter’s work with the Environment Agency to manage flows in future.

This is the first year that manpower has been used to clear the stream.

In the past it was done by an excavator, removing excess growth with a long reach bucket.

“Using machinery to clear the weeds in the stream isn’t the most sensitive method for wildlife, so we are delighted that in partnership with the Environment Agency and with the help of DWT and Sembcorp volunteers, we have been able to cut the weed by hand,” said Amanda Broom, pictured left, DWT rivers conservation officer.

“While some of the weed is essential for invertebrates and fish, too much can change oxygen levels in the water, causing stress and even fatalities to fish.

“The Gussage stream is a tributary of the River Allen which is a rare chalk stream, so it is essential that we look after this precious habitat.”

Sembcorp volunteer Mike Vicars said: “I live locally and I’m interested in wildlife, so it’s great not only to help nature, but also get outside in the fresh air. It’s definitely hard work, but very rewarding.”

Richard Battersby of the Environment Agency said: “This is a super example of us all working together to achieve common aims and protect not only the environment, but also important chalk stream habitat as well.

“It would be fantastic if we could continue this way of working in the future with such enthusiastic volunteers.”

To find out more about river conservation work or the volunteering scheme visit dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk