A LAKE in Ellesmere Port will be transformed into a haven for wildlife.

Event Marketing Solutions, which has offices on Shellway Road, is developing the Lakeside Sanctuary community project, supported by the Cheshire Wildlife Trust.

It involves transforming the lake opposite EMS offices. The lake lies close to the Mersey Estuary and is linked by a water course, making it an important wildlife corridor in a built-up area, and a pit stop for birds and wildlife to feed or rest.

The end result will provide an inviting place for the community to visit and observe wildlife in its natural habitat. It will also provide a tranquil area for staff and an educational site for schools.

The first stage of the project involved the Lakeside Sanctuary team clearing the willow shrubs and trees.

In the near future bird boxes will be added and shrubs will be planted to encourage butterflies. Invertebrate habitats will also be built to encourage insects that are slowly in decline.

The initiative is expected to be complete early next year.

Keith Austin, managing director at EMS, said: “An important part of the Lakeside Sanctuary project is to encourage colleagues, the community and local businesses to get involved and learn more about our environment, so it was fantastic to see so many familiar faces helping out.

“We would like to thank everyone who took part, including Cheshire Wildlife Trust, Envirocare, Cheshire West and Chester Council. Also, BASE Motopark, who, as a treat to all of the volunteers, kindly offered to run a bike session on the track.”