Ewell Court Community Group (ECHO) has won a £40,000 lottery grant to save the 200-year-old island at Ewell Court Park lake.

The banks of the island, which is a roost and nesting place for swans, geese and ducks, has been eroding for some time and would have been lost if money could not be raised to save it.

After completing a consultation, ECHO found there was clear support for the island’s restoration and set about raising the necessary funds, which together with a grant of over £40,000 from the Big Lottery Community Spaces programme, will allow for the historic island to be restored.

Only natural materials will be used to reconstruct the island which will include ramps for the wildlife and a new island perimeter banked by plants and wild flowers.

The project will also provide for the future maintenance of the island and a new bank-side viewing area with information boards.

Don Scott, chairman of ECHO, said: "This is a fine example of how the community can come together and take responsibility for such local enterprises.

"The project will protect the island for the foreseeable future and ensure an excellent wildlife habitat resource is improved."