PUPILS from Church Hill Middle School are getting their hands dirty with some practical conservation work at the Alders Nature Reserve.

The group of 18 children from Years 7 and 8 will be working with Worcestershire Wildlife Trust to take part in volunteer work at the reserve, clearing paths and digging out pools for dragon flies.

Sara McGourty, the trust's people and wildlife officer said: "They're doing the same work as the adult volunteers would do, and it's something that really makes a difference.

"They love it, anything that gets them out of the classroom, and they're walking out here from their schools, so it's good for them all round."

The trust is hoping the children's enthusiasm will draw more visitors to the 18-hectare reserve, which lies between housing estates and industrial estates in Redditch.