A community group has made improvements to a path in a nature reserve in the south of Ipswich to give pedestrians a better experience of the landscape and wildlife in the area. 

Bourne Park in Ipswich is filled with wildlife and foliage and is often used by residents to walk their pets and enjoy the nature that is on offer. 

However, parts of the park were damaged by heavy flooding last winter, which left behind broken boardwalks and wetlands that were no longer suitable for pedestrians to use safely. 

As a result, Greenways Countryside Project, with help from volunteers, began making major renovations to the damaged areas. 

Volunteers cut back on trees to build a new footpath.Volunteers cut back on trees to improve the footpath.  (Image: Contributed) On Saturday, the Greenways team cut back trees in the area to make way for the improved footpath for visitors.

Greenways Countryside Project manager James Baker said: "We are improving the path from Bobbits Lane to Bourne Park - taking walkers through the wonderful landscape of the reed beds and Belstead Brook valley.

"The area is managed as a nature reserve and is rich in wildlife - particularly birds, but also home to otters and water voles among other wetland specialists."

The path will not only make it easier for users to walk through the nature reserve but will also allow access to those carrying out further projects to enhance the wildlife habitat.

Over the coming weeks, volunteers will be placing crushed stones on the path to make it easier for people to navigate. 

While the path will still flood at times of very high rainfall, the renovation works will provide for a much more even and stable surface for visitors.

They hope to have all works completed in time for Christmas.The project team hope to have all works completed in time for Christmas.  (Image: Contributed) The Greenways team hope to have all the work completed in time for Christmas. 

The project has also worked on restoring the 100m boardwalk that was destroyed by the flood. 

For this, the team sourced local oak trees to use for timber.

Greenways is a partnership led by Ipswich Borough Council with Babergh District Council, East Suffolk Council and local communities.

The group has worked on several projects across Ipswich and neighbouring areas to ensure the countryside is protected and well-maintained.