WORK has started on the creation of Leominster's Riverside Millennium Green - a project to provide a new green space for local people and habitat for birds, butterflies, newts, frogs and other wildlife, writes PETE BLENCH.

A footpath has been temporarily closed as workmen with earth moving equipment begin an extensive makeover of the site between the Priory churchyard and the railway.

The path will eventually be restored as an 'access for all' route. The green is to include a pond, wildflower meadow, an orchard of local fruit varieties and a standing stones feature to mark the millennium.

The work is being carried out by contractors Blakedown Landscapes.

Nicola Webb of Herefordshire Nature Trust, which is steering the project, said: "It's really exciting to see the contractors on site and the work finally underway. It looks like a building site now but it will be a wonderful wildlife haven in a year's time."

She said the wildflower meadow was an important element as 95 per cent of UK wild flower meadows had disappeared in recent years.

Most planting at the site will take place in the early winter when 'helping hands large and small' will be needed, added Nicola. Prospective volunteers can contact her on 01568 620321.

l Plans for the site can be viewed at The Priory.