FIFTY women got their hands dirty to improve the plight of wildlife in one of Ipswich's most eco-friendly parks to mark the launch of a new biodiversity project.

FIFTY women got their hands dirty to improve the plight of wildlife in one of Ipswich's most eco-friendly parks to mark the launch of a new biodiversity project.

The women took part in a project being led by volunteers from the Greenways Project and CSV Media.

They helped to build stag beetle pyramids, homes for toads and to mow meadows and preserve paths in Belstead Brook Park on Thursday .

The women from the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints from around the area, who were in Ipswich camping at the Hallowtree scout camp, also helped to rake up hay in Bobbits Lane Meadows and build insect hibernation boxes.

The Bio Diverse City project holds taster sessions around Ipswich each week to increase the number of people involved in volunteering in the town's parks.

Belstead Brook Park is a haven for the UK's largest known toad population and is regarded as one of the town's best spots for biodiversity.

Project officer Margaret Regnault said: “The park is a lovely place. The fact we had so many toads crossing during the migration season is a good indication of its biodiversity. What we're making sure is it doesn't degrade.”

Anyone new to conservation work can get involved to see if they like being a part of wildlife work.

Future projects include the annual Ipswich river clean-up on Sunday, September 7 and a willow-clearing day in Belstead Brook Park's Millennium Wood in November.

Anyone wishing to get involved can contact Margaret Regnault on 07530545637 or e-mail mregnault@csv.org.uk.