Buriton residents took part in the village Hay Day on the recreation ground to help protect wildflowers and so provide more habitat for pollinators of all species.

The inaugural Hay Day last year saw about 50 people help clear up the cuttings after the long grass around the edge of the recreation ground had been mowed.

This year’s Hay Day last Sunday saw families, children and grandparents all go along to help rake up the grass cuttings.

A spokesman said: “It was two hours of hard work, fun and cake – thank you Bev and the Five Bells.

“Lots of people like the long grass around the edges of the recreation ground which is helping wildflowers and insects.

“But this has to be cut at least once a year or else the grass forms a thick thatch and wildflowers can’t survive.

“And then all the cuttings have to be removed to reduce soil fertility, which is the key to helping more wildflowers in the future.

“There was a good turn out – but we can always do with more volunteers.

“Please help make our wildflower borders even better next year and keep Buriton beautiful and wildlife friendly.”