VOLUNTEERS who are keen to be green are being urged to give up some free time to help the environment.

Chiefs from the RSPB South Essex Marshes, a suite of nature reserves scattered around Pitsea and Canvey, are putting together a team to help manage and develop the beauty spots.

The marshes are home to many birds including the protected avocet and bearded tit, and are also a winter refuge for hundreds of wildfowl and waders. Work parties, made up of teams of eager volunteers, are now being put together to spruce up the sites every Wednesday.

They will carry out reedbed and scrub management, path maintenance, fencing and boardwalk construction as well as other chores.

Anyone interested in joining in the Wednesday work parties should call the RSPB South Essex Marshes team on 01268 559158.