Swains Lane Nature Reserve in Wellington has once again been awarded a Green Flag by Keep Britain Tidy.

It is entered into the ‘Community Award’ category, as it is an open space managed by members of the public, rather than a local authority.

John Morton, who has been involved with the nature reserve since it was establised in 2006, said: “It is very gratifying that the reserve has yet again received this prestigious award.

“Volunteers have willingly given many hours of their free time over the years to create a very special open space, which growing numbers of local people are discovering and enjoying.

“With a recently-enlarged team of volunteers, our hope for the future is that site will be further enhanced, both for wildlife and for the people who enjoy it.”

Visitors to the reserve are reminded that they should follow the paths and keep any dogs under control, especially now that wild daffodils and other spring-flowering bulbs are sprouting early after the relatively mild winter.