A nature reserve which is a hive of activity for bees and wasps is being restored.

The old quarry at Dry Sandford, near Abingdon, has been a haven for wildlife for many years. The quarry cliff face along the airfield side of the reserve is one of the major features of the area.

Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust said it was geologically important and provided habitats for burrowing bees and wasps. It has teamed up with English Nature to carry out the work.

Sand Martins also used to nest there but they have disappeared -- although it is hoped the birds will return once the cliff is restored.

The total cost of the project is £2,000. Trust manager Paul Allen said over the years the cliff faces have been weathered and dug away by rabbits. They are now severely eroded and overgrown with tons of fallen rock and sand obscuring the lower layers.

He said: "As part of the restoration project we will be clearing the fallen material to restore stretches of the cliff faces. Mechanical excavators will move the spoil to other parts of the reserve where it will form new habitats."

The initial appearance may look raw but nature will soften that and overall there will be a significant benefit for wildlife and the reserve which is of special scientific interest.

Mr Allen said Dry Sandford Pit was very important for solitary bees and wasps with many rare species being recorded in a survey last year. "A close look at the cliff will reveal a honeycomb structure where the bees have burrowed into the soft sandy layers to lay their eggs. Sand Martins used to nest in holes in the open faces but as the cliffs collapsed and vegetation grew it became unsuitable, he said."