MANY hands make light work of any task and that is why the 1st Marlborough Brownies have been called up to help monitor the quality of the River Kennet at Stonebridge Wild River Reserve.

Representatives from environmental group Action for the River Kennet (ARK) met with the Brownies last week to present them with water quality testing kits, funded by Haine & Smith Opticians, to try and keep the river clean.

After receiving the training they need over the next few weeks, nearly 30 of the young recruits will head to the wildlife site with ARK, testing for nitrate and phosphate, which can affect the water's quality, and checking the clarity of the chalk stream.

"As you can imagine, the Brownies are very excited to help us out and get involved in something that will be fun and educational," said ARK project officer Anna Forbes.

"We hope the Brownies have a great time using the kits and enjoy finding out more about their local river with ARK.

"This is their own little project that is part of a bigger project. We have worked with them before at Cooper’s Meadow in Marlborough, improving the habitat in the river, and it went really well so we are looking forward to teaming up again.

"We are also looking forward to hosting a tour and explore for the Brownies later in the year at the reserve, to give them a hands on fun and educational session where they will get to discover some of the sites special wildlife, including those dependant on good water quality."

ARK will look to head out to the reserve in the next few weeks.