NATURE lovers have been urged to help look after a green haven in north Oxfordshire.

Wild Oxfordshire community ecologist Roselle Chapman has called for more people to help take care of Adderbury Lakes near Banbury.

She made her appeal after a ‘family day’ at the site in September where she said was inspired by visitors’ joy.

Ms Chapman, who joined the county’s largest conservation network in April, said: “Adderbury Lakes no longer have the work force that their Georgian creators envisioned for their upkeep.

“Now owned by Adderbury Parish Council and managed by very organised and determined volunteers as a local nature reserve, the lakes are fed by five springs which rise in the field just north of the site.

“On a quiet day one can see kingfishers, tree creepers and wrens and enjoy the tranquility that must have been imagined by the designer.

“But on Family Day in September the paths were alive with children identifying trees, seeds and leaves for a nature quiz and thinking about wildlife through craft activities.”

She said visitors had also loved rowing out onto the lakes in boats.

Ms Chapman went on: “The Adderbury Lakes management group have exciting plans to enhance the site for wildlife, hopefully the Family Day’ will have helped to engage a new audience and ensure a willing and able work force for the near future at least.” To find out more about the lakes and volunteer opportunities email roselle.chapman@wildoxfordshire.org.uk