Villagers are ready to show their cutting edge after getting the nod to breathe new life into a beauty spot near Bordon.

Champagne corks have popped in Headley as the Fullers Vale Wildlife Pond Association has been relaunched.

The announcement follows the “brilliant news” that Headley Parish Council has been granted a License to Cultivate by Hampshire Highways following a review.

They were given a helping hand by Cllr Debbie Curnow-Ford but the decision means HPC and the FVWPA now has permission to maintain the pond margins.

The breakthrough also means they can access the pond and manage its vegetation and banks, and begin a long-awaited programme of conservation work at a spot once frequented by kingfishers.

The historic announcement was celebrated with the relaunch of a group formed in 2001 to preserve and maintain Headley village pond as a wildlife haven.

Some of the original founding members attended while Jo Smith gave a fascinating talk about the pond’s history and Neville Merritt gave an insight into the group’s plans for working parties.

More friends, volunteers and generous donations came forward with councillrs Anthony Williams and Curnow-Ford getting an insight into the planned work during a tour. The latter also confirmed that HCC will help the association with excavation work next year.

She said: “I am so pleased, that following my intervention, that HCC have reviewed their decision and have now granted a Cultivation License to HPC which allows the FVWPA to manage the vegetation and banks of the pond.”