One of Malvern's most famous heritage features has attracted attention from across the globe.

During a visit to Australia last year, Dr Bruce Osborne of the Malvern Spa Association discovered that Daylesford and Hepburn springs and wells in Victoria bore a striking similarity to those at home.

The Malvern Spa Association has now developed a close relationship with their Antipodean counterparts, the Victorian Mineral Water Committee (VMWC).

Mr Osbourne said: "I met members of the VMWC while I was in Australia, and realised that they are sitting on exactly the same problems as we are. They have very similar springs and wells in the hills, though theirs are carbonated."

Andy Shugg, a hydro-geologist from the VMWC, recently made a two-day visit to Malvern.

"Mr Shugg spent a day going round the springs and wells, looking at key sites and problem areas. We explained to him how we operate and shared ideas on caring for the sites," explained Dr Osbourne.

Like the Spa Association, the VMWC is a group of dedicated enthusiasts who seek to conserve, protect and develop a number of celebrated water sources in their locality. However, unlike their English equivalent, the VMWC receives funding via a levy on bottled water.

The association is optimistic that new links will prove beneficial.

"Through the Malvern Civic Society, we are hoping to raise enough money to form a joint venture with the VMWC, so that we can both share ideas and learn different ways of solving problems, and perhaps even organise site visits," said Dr Osborne.