Green fingered Surbiton residents will have a chance to spruce up Fishponds Park later this month with the local community.

Civic minded volunteers taking part will be clearing the top northernmost pond, opening up overgrown nature trails and paths, pruning the overgrown rose garden and collecting litter.

One of the organisers Jeremy Wadia, from Berrylands, said: “This park has so much potential but in the current economic climate we need to pull together as a community and organisations in order to improve the park as there simply isn't sufficient council funding available.

“There is loads of work to do, it'll be great fun working together as a community. It is a great opportunity to get outdoors and volunteer to support this amazing park.”

Participants will get to learn about local wildlife and the history of Fishponds House and Park, with talks from the conservationist Elliot Newton and local resident Rob Eyre-Brook.

The clean up operation will take place from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, October 27.

It has been organised by local residents and councillors, the Environment Trust, and the organisation Citizen Zoo, with support from IDverde.