Friends of Ellington Park had spring in their spades as they started work creating a wildlife garden.

Basking in the welcome sunshine, they held an opening ceremony to launch the project, with representatives from Thanet council and wildlife advisers.

Guests and Friends of all ages had fun turning the first turfs on Ellington Park Wildlife Garden, which has been planned as a thriving ecosystem and place of calm for visitors.

Council parks manager Paul Verrall was on hand to help Friends’ chairman Beverley Perkins, enabling work to begin.

She said: “We would like to extend our grateful thanks to those who have supported us in making this excellent community project possible.

“We would particularly like to pay tribute to Paul Verrall and Mandy Robinson and TDC for their hard work.

“A special mention must go to Chris Booler, ecologist and friend of the park, who masterminded the garden plans.”

It is now all systems go, with beechwood fencing soon to be inserted, and the excavation of a pond area imminent.

A major boost to the project came last autumn when it was awarded £50,000 of Big Lottery Fund cash.

The garden will incorporate a wildlife area, a new pond, indigenous plants and wildlife habitats.

It will promote conservation and provide volunteering and educational opportunities. Follow the progress by visiting EllingtonPark on Facebook, or by @FofEPRamsgate on Twitter.

To get involved, call Friends’ volunteer coordinator Di Reilly on 01843 279275.