A CONSERVATION group has vowed to breathe new life into a stretch of riverside in Colchester The Friends of Hythe aims to improve the Hythe Lagoons, alongside the banks of the River Colne between the town’s former port and Rowhedge, for people and wildlife.

When Colchester was a bustling port, the lagoons were used to dump sludge dredged out of the river, but have reverted to grasslands since the port closed.

Sean Minns, who is behind the group, has been birdwatching on the land for more than 25 years.

He said: “This is a man-made wildlife site and while at first it may just look like fields with some bushes, if you go deeper, there is so much more going on.

“It’s a fantastic habitat for all sorts of wildlife, particularly wading birds that migrate and breed here.

“We want to work to raise the profile of the area and encourage people to come and see the nature on their doorsteps.”

The group plans monthly nature walks and working parties to look after the site, as well as looking to set up a hide for birdwatchers.

Mr Minns, 38, said: “A long-term aim for us would be for there to be water in the lagoons permanently, which would massively enhance the site for wading birds.

“That would need quite a lot of work with the council and wildlife groups to achieve, but it would be great.”

The site is owned and managed by Colchester Council, following plans agreed with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. A tenant farmer also grazes animals on part of the site.

Countryside ranger George Davidson said: “It would be great to have local people on board to help us manage the reserve and we will be interested to hear what the group is proposing.

“But we would want to ensure it was a long-term commitment and all interests in the community were served.”

For more details, e-mail minnsfuji@yahoo.com or join the Freinds of the Hythe group on the social networking site, Facebook.