Staff and volunteers from Herefordshire Wildlife Trust were joined at the opening by representatives from National Highways, Herefordshire Ornithological Club and Herefordshire Community Foundation, who all contributed to the purchase and restoration of the site. The new nature reserve was officially opened by MP for North Herefordshire Ellie Chowns who cut the ribbon.

Oak Tree Farm nature reserve is a 30-acre site which slopes down to the River Lugg below Dinmore Hill. Herefordshire Wildlife Trust purchased the site in September 2020 following a successful fundraising appeal. Over the last few years, work has been underway to restore the site for nature including creating wildflower meadows and planting hedgerows. The biggest transformation has been creating new wetland habitat features including a network of pools beside the river. This work was funded by National Highways as part of their Network for Nature programme which aims to restore nature by joining up vital places for wildlife to help counter the damaging impacts of previous road building. This summer, the final bird hide was installed which completed the Trust’s initial plan for the site.

Oak Tree Farm lies between Bodenham Lake Nature Reserve and Wellington Gravel Pit, both excellent sites for wetland birds, and it is hoped that this new reserve will offer a stepping stone along the Lugg Valley for species such as lapwing and oystercatcher. Already, green sandpiper and snipe have been recorded here along with a wide range of other birds, mammals and insects such as dragonflies. The wetland also supports natural flood management, holding water within the landscape, and reduces pollution entering the River Lugg.

Susan Standley, Head of Designated Funds at National Highways, said:

“We’re proud to have supported the Lugg Living Landscape and the creation of the wetland through our Networks for Nature programme. It’s a joy to see such an important project come to life at Oak Tree Farm.

“Wetlands benefit the ecosystem by reducing pollution and improving water quality, and they provide a home to an incredibly diverse range of wildlife and wetland plants. Projects such as this are why we have the Designated Funds scheme – to help bring important and long-lasting benefits to the environment, boost biodiversity and support a greener, more sustainable road network.”

Frances Weeks, Head of Nature Action at Herefordshire Wildlife Trust said:

“It has been so exciting to see this project develop over the last few years and watch the site transform into a thriving nature reserve. The success has been down to all the many individuals and organisations that have been involved from our funders and generous donors to dedicated volunteers and supportive neighbours.

This nature reserve is just one gem within the Lugg Valley and we hope to continue restoring and connecting habitats for wildlife through this landscape, collaborating with other landowners and communities, to create a truly special landscape that is rich in wildlife and enjoyed by all.”

Nature reserves officer Anna Tindall has recently taken over responsibility for the site from the project team and said:

“I am delighted to be taking on this new reserve and to care for it over the coming years alongside our wonderful volunteers. I am looking forward to seeing it develop and flourish as a place of refuge and connection for a wide variety of plants, animals and people.”

The nature reserve is open daily from dawn to dusk. There are two permissive paths which lead from the car park to bird hides with brilliant views over the pools and river, offering excellent wildlife-watching opportunities. There is no public access to the remainder of the site and dogs are not allowed on site to prevent disturbance to wildlife.

More information is available at: Oak Tree Farm | Herefordshire Wildlife Trust (herefordshirewt.org)