VOLUNTEERS are invited to roll up their sleeves up and take part in a community ‘scrub bash’ to help preserve a nature reserve's distinctive grassland.

A concerted effort is being made to remove hawthorn and gorse at Littlewood Local Nature Reserve, at Cassop, near Durham, on Sunday (January 6).

The hawthorn and gorse are seen as a threat to natural flora in what is considered an internationally-important area of magnesian limestone grassland.

Durham County Council’s countryside services section is staging the Scrub Bashing session, between 10am and 12-noon, but anyone taking part can stay for as little or long as they wish.

They are advised to dress accordingly, as there is a strong chance they may end up more than a little muddy, depending on the weather conditions.

No experience is necessary and all are welcome, although children under 16 must be supervised. All tools will be provided.

The reserve is off the B6291, near Cassop Primary School, with parking alongside Littlewood.

It has a post code of DH6 4RA, with grid reference NZ341378.

Further information is available from the countryside services section, via www.durham.gov.uk/countryside, or by ringing 0191-372-9100.