The remarkable transformation of a litter-strewn, polluted chalk stream into a “magical” wildlife haven has earned widespread praise.

Over three grueling years determined volunteers hauled an eyewatering 17 tonnes of garbage from Faversham’s Cooksditch Stream.

The ancient watercourse, a tributary of the Creek, had been neglected for decades and become a dumping ground.

But in 2021 a group of volunteers, led by Lesley Seager, began the arduous task of clearing it out.

Hundreds of plastic bottles, bags, cans, shopping trolleys, car tyres, metal cabling, plastic fencing and old bicycles were cleared up. .

Volunteers would weed and replant banks with wildflowers and put in bird and bat boxes, alongside an array of features designed to encourage wildlife.

The result has been nothing short of a spectacular transformation.

Running beside the recreation ground, behind Cyprus Road homes and along the eastern boundary of Queen Elizabeth School’s playing fields, the stream once looked a sorry state of affairs.

But thanks, in part, to £900 of generous Gofundme donations to help the team go about their work, the stream is thriving.

The Queen Elizabeth School also come out in supportive of the project, whereby the stream is now an environmental study source for pupils.

“Three years have flown by since we started the stream clear out and I think it’s worked,” said Mrs Seager.

“We removed 17 tonnes of rubbish so thank you to everyone involved, you are all amazing.

“It’s now a magical place and bursting with wildlife.”

The stream restoration was started by volunteers who were disgusted at the sight of piles of discarded rubbish in the water course.

“We still dig up bottles and plastic when planting but will keep going,” said Mrs Seager, adding: ”it’s an ongoing project”.

“We have built dry hedges for the wildlife, put up bird and bat nesting boxes, all of which are used.

“The town council has been fantastic with all their help when we need items as have residents with their amazing donations.

The Mayor of Faversham, Cllr Trevor Martin says the volunteers have done a brilliant job.

“They really have been dedicated and the result is wonderful,” he said.

“I remember playing in the stream as a child and it was sad to see it get into such a sorry state.

“The town council has helped where it can and we hope that this beautiful setting will now be respected in the future.”

Cllr Hannah Perkin added: “Considering all that stuff that was in there, it really does look incredibly now.”

The Cooksditch is not the only waterway in Faversham to benefit from the efforts of volunteers.

The Friends the Westbrook Stream and Stonebridge Pond have also worked tirelessly over the years to restore and maintain the precious chalk stream and surrounding habitat, making it a haven for wildlife.