A neglected nature reserve in Kingston is getting a revamp after an environmental NGO secured a £168,000 grant to do it up.

The Environment Trust was given the Thames Water Community grant to restore The Raeburn Open Space in Berrylands, which suffers neglect including recreational drug use and chronic litter issues.

The Trust will spend the next three years enhancing the river habitat, creating wetland habitat, and improving the undermanaged woodland.

It will target species such water voles, kingfishers, dragonflies and butterflies.

CEO of the Environment Trust Berny Simcox said they were “thrilled” with the news.

She said: “It will benefit the community in a number of ways.

“There’s very little green space available in Kingston and this area is in particular need of some TLC.

“It struggles with vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

“We want to revive the area and give the community a green space everyone can enjoy.”

The Trust particularly wants to engage with the local community to mobilise a volunteer workforce.

The aim is to inspire people about the urban wildlife, which can “thrive if managed appropriately”.

A community meeting will take place to raise awareness about the project on Wednesday, September 13 at Kingston University in room PRMB0012.

The meetings starts at 6.45pm.