VOLUNTEERS are wanted to help make 'hazel doughnuts' this weekend to stop deer eating the plants at an Oxford nature reserve.

Helpers are needed to create 'coppice stool protectors' – also known as hazel doughnuts – to prevent hungry deer from nibbling new shoots.

The Wild Oxford team will also be coppicing (pruning trees) at Chilswell Valley nature reserve in South Hinksey on Saturday.

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Urging people to come along, team leader Andy Gunn said: "If you haven’t been along to a Wild Oxford work day before, this is a perfect opportunity to learn a new skill and meet new people.

"It is also an opportunity to get away from it all at the beautiful Chilswell Valley Nature Reserve."

Mr Gunn has promised to provide hot drinks and cake or biscuits as well as all tools and equipment – though he said if anyone had a bill hook or axe they could bring along it would be welcomed.

Volunteers are advised to bring a lunch as well as sturdy boots, gardening gloves if they have them and waterproofs.

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Parking is available along the main road before the Chilswell Path or at Hinksey Heights Golf Course, or Oxford Garden Centre.

Find out more about the Wild Oxford project online at bbowt.org.uk/wildlife/living-landscapes/wild-oxford