LOVERS of the outdoors pulled on their wellies and gardening gloves to get muddy at a conservation day in Billericay.

Helpers banded together to take part in a clear-up of Mill Meadows.

The volunteers gave up their time for a day of hard work at the beauty spot.

The event was organised by Basildon Council and was the first in a series of conservation work parties which will see volunteers sprucing up the district's nature reserves and woodland areas over the coming month.