PROJECT officer Anna Forbes of charity Action for the River Kennet is delighted they have received a £5,000 funding boost.

The Marlborough charity heard the good news this week that they will be getting thousands of pounds from SITA Trust for their popular Stonebridge Wild River Reserve project.

It will be going towards improving access for residents in the town over the stretch of the River Kennet and the wild flower meadow, tucked away behind London Road.

Worn out sleepers are going to be removed and replaced. A ramp will be integrated and kissing gate closures will be installed at the grazing area to allow access through this area even when livestock are present.

Mrs Forbes, who is leading the project, said: “It is brilliant to receive this funding and be able to carry out a project that will enable more people to enjoy all it has to offer all year round.

“Stonebridge is such a valued site by the community.

“We want to create more ways and better ways for the public to enjoy and interact with this natural space and the amazing wildlife it supports.”

Stonebridge Wild River Reserve is a 15 acre water meadow with the iconic chalk stream of the River Kennet flowing through it.

Marianne Ivin of SITA Trust added: “This application was awarded funding through our accessing nature programme and is a great example of how a project site can incorporate both the public and nature.

“These improvements will be a great benefit to the site itself and to the visitors it attracts.”

SITA Trust has been providing grants through the Landfill Communities Fund since 1997. Over the years it has provided worthy projects with more than £1.4 billion.