A store manager has praised the work of local volunteers at a local nature reserve which she has been drawn to her whole life.

To say thank you and to give something back, a total of £2,250 has been donated from the Southern Co-op store in Church Crookham to the Fleet Pond Society over the last few years.

Most recently the donations helped to fund replacement fencing along the Chestnut Grove reed bed to help protect the more sensitive area.

Donna Cotterill, Store Manager at The Co-operative Food in Aldershot Road which is part of the regional, independent co-operative, said: “I have lived in Fleet all my life and I have always loved Fleet Pond. It’s accessible and there’s stunning views as you stand on the viewing platforms and areas.

“It’s one of those places that people can go to for anything – walking, jogging, running, walking the dogs, seeing nature. They maintain it so well. People are just drawn to it.

“With wildlife being such a big focus at the moment, it’s such a nice area to go to. Plus with the well-being aspect to it as well, this is always at the forefront of my mind with everything we have been through over the past few years.”

According to the Fleet Pond Society, Fleet Pond is the largest freshwater lake in Hampshire with the nature reserve stretching 141 acres and is home for many species of birds, butterflies, dragonflies and wild flowers.

The voluntary group, Fleet Pond Society, was set up in 1976 and continues to protect and manage the nature reserve working closely with Hart District Council Countryside Rangers.

Jim Storey, Chairman of Fleet Pond Society, said: “Fleet Pond Society has had strong links to Southern Co-op for quite a few years now and they have been very generous to us.

“We regard their Crookham branch manager, Donna, as a very good friend and she is so passionate about Fleet Pond nature reserve and helping it to thrive.”

Southern Co-op’s donations have been made as part of its Love Your Neighbourhood programme which aims to create greener, healthier, safer and more inclusive communities.

Donations of up to £500 are available to local charities or good causes near a Southern Co-op store or funeralcare branch.

To find out more, visit southern.coop/.

Or for more information on the Fleet Pond Society, visit https://fleetpond.org.uk/.