YOUNG wildlife fans in Magor were presented with a cheque for £250.

The?Wildlife Warriors group run by the Gwent Wildlife Trust is based at the Magor Marsh reserve and spend two hours a week learning about animals and the countryside.

The chair of Magor with Undy Community Council, Councillor Donna presented the cheque at the group's final meeting of 2012.

The donation from the council will help support the group's activities when it returns in April.

Councillor James and clerk to the council Beverly Reed also presented members with their certificates of achievement for the year.

Activities through the year have included pond dipping, feeding lambs, ringing birds and making nest boxes, as well as handling baby pheasants and hedgehogs and going bat detecting. Members are also knowledgable about the recent water vole release project at the reserve, and about the rare Shrill Carder bee found there.

Kath Barclay, the trust education officer at Magor Marsh, said:?"It is so rewarding to see the Wildlife Warriors learning to understand and enjoy the environment around them – it is the only way that Magor Marsh and other valuable wildlife-rich places will be protected in the future."

The council sets aside money to support local groups with specific projects.

Councillor?James said:?"Council members are delighted to be able to support the local youth project Wildlife Warriors at Magor Marsh for a second year. 

"It is important that young people understand and learn about the environment around them