BRITAIN'S best-known botanist, Professor David Bellamy, joined 200 guests for the official opening of Herefordshire's newest conservation site.
The 50-acre Sturts Nature Reserve at Ailey, on the floodplain of the River Wye near Letton, is prone to regular winter flooding but is a haven for wildlife.
Rare plants such as the Great Burnet Flower flourish in the site's mosaic of grassland, marsh, ponds and ditches.
Prof Bellamy joined local children in a 'Wildplay' project and admired a display which included work by Staunton-on-Wye School pupils.
Sarah Ayling, of Herefordshire Nature Trust, said: "This reserve will make a major contribution towards conserving the biodiversity and heritage of our county.
"Education is an important part of our work, so I'm delighted the school has been able to include a project based on this unique reserve as part of its curriculum."
l For further information visit Herefordshire Nature Trust's website at www.wildlifetrust.org.uk/Hereford
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