COUNCIL bosses were so impressed with an environmental campaigner’s bid to stop their hedge-cutting campaign they want to sign him up.

Nature-loving Keith Farnish, 38, took matters into his own hands when he spotted contractors lopping the tops off hedges in Sweyne Park, Rayleigh, near his home.

Worried about the effect on nesting birds in the hedges, the dad-of-two stood in front of the machinery, including tractors, to stop them in their tracks.

Rochford District Council decided to call off the whole project as a result and now wants Mr Farnish to help look after its parks.

He would be one of the Friend of Parks, a new scheme the council is about to launch which aims to get more residents involved in taking care of their local parks. The scheme will be piloted in Sweyne Park.

Mr Farnish, a writer who lives in Eastcheap, said: “I’ve had a conversation with them about helping out, but I don’t have many details.

“They haven’t come back to me with a formal proposal, but I would be willing to take on a more permanent role in terms of doing walks and showing people what nature is about. I’m also keen to work with schools and local interest groups.

“It’s definitely a good idea, especially if it means getting more children out in the open air. I think it’s very important to connect with nature.”

Mr Farnish said he wanted to counter the apathy which he felt many people had about their local parks and open spaces.

He added: “Parks have to be constantly monitored and protected against those who are keen to destroy them, like developers.”

Rochford’s Friends of Parks scheme would involve volunteers getting involved in projects, such as organising groups to mend fences, and care for flowerbeds and animals.

In turn, the council hopes to get an idea of what residents want to see in their local parks and open spaces.

Rochford Council spokesman Patrick John confirmed the council had approached Mr Farnish.

Anyone in Rochford district interested in getting involved in a Friends group can e-mail beafriend@rochford.gov.uk or call 01702 546366.