AMBITIOUS plans are in the pipeline to create a new nature reserve on Canvey.

Volunteers from the Canvey Wildlife Group are seeking permission to take over the management of an acre and a half of land, opposite the Waterside Allotments site, off Canvey Road, in order to create a new haven for wildlife.

The proposals would involve creating a wild-flower meadow and planting trees and shrubs to provide habitats for butterflies and birds, as well as installing new benches, feeding stations and paths.

Dave Blackwell, chairman of the group, said: “It’s an old bit of land where originally we planted loads of fruit trees to make up for those we had lost when the hurricane hit in the Eighties.

“Since then it’s been allowed to get so overgrown and wild, which is a real shame. If we could take it on, we could make it into a lovely nature reserve.

“We could plant a wildflower meadow to attract butterflies and plant trees to make it nice for birds. I think residents would really like it.”

The Canvey Wildlife Group, which was set up six years ago, has about 90 members, who are responsible for helping to manage the new Orchard Nature Reserve with Essex County Council and Natural England, which is being created in Haven Road. Mr Blackwell added: “We are hoping this will be the first site which would be completely our own, as it would make a great project we could all get involved in.”

Canvey Town Council’s environment and open spaces committee will be debating the matter at a meeting from 7.30pm tonight at the Paddocks Community Centre, in Long Road, Canvey.

For more information visit www.canveyisland-tc.gov.uk