FENLAND S newest official nature reserve will on Sunday host an event to celebrate its wealth of wildlife. March Wildlife Group and environment officers from Cambridgeshire County Council will host a morning that includes a wildflower walk, pond-dipping,

FENLAND'S newest official nature reserve will on Sunday host an event to celebrate its wealth of wildlife.

March Wildlife Group and environment officers from Cambridgeshire County Council will host a morning that includes a wildflower walk, pond-dipping, a reptile and amphibian foray - and cake and cordial.

The free event will start at 10.30am in the reserve car park, on the Twenty Foot Road about threequarters-of-a-mile east of the A142 and one mile west of the B1101 (Elm Road).

The old railway line, now Ring's End Local Nature Reserve, was designated a nature reserve last year by the county council. It boasts ponds, large areas of reed-bed, small areas of trees and scrub and various paths along which to explore.

Chris Holt, chairman of the March Wildlife Group, said: "The designation of the site as a local nature reserve is an important step forward for everyone who has an interest in conservation.

The group believe plans for its future development will play a significant role in securing a safe wildlife habitat within this area."

David Bethell, green spaces officer for Cambridgeshire County Council - pictured above outside the reserve - said: "Ring's End Local Nature Reserve is an important wildlife habitat and is valued locally for recreation.

"The Cambridgeshire fens are intensively farmed so it is very important to protect those areas that exist for wildlife and public enjoyment.