VOLUNTEERS are inviting the public to see the fruits of their labour at the official opening of the Slade Local Nature Reserve.

The Nature Reserve in Bloxham, close to the disused railway line has been rejuvenated by an army of volunteers.

After three years of hard work, on Sunday. July 15. they can finally show the improvements made to the reserve, such as the inclusion of a new boardwalk and bridges, alongside the renovation of all existing features.

Following years of non-management, the area was acquired by Bloxham Parish Council in 2015 and ever since, focus has been placed on maintaining the walks and wildlife across the reserve.

A proud Marie Jones, voluntary nature reserve warden, said: "This has been a labour of love for the volunteers involved in the project who give their time to ensuring their local wild patch is looked after and appreciated."

The hard work of the volunteers would not have come into fruition without a £9,618 charitable grant provided by the Trust for Oxfordshire's Environment, as well as help from Grundon Waste Management through the Landfill Communities Fund.

All three organisations say they strive to raise awareness and fund environmental projects that benefit the people and wildlife of Oxfordshire.

Ms Jones said: "We're all delighted to have secured the grant, it has given us the means to transform an unmanaged wilderness into a managed and diverse wild asset."

This transformation comes after the area was officially declared and registered as a nature reserve at the beginning of the year.

Fiona Danks, Director of the Trust for Oxfordshire's Environment, said: "Projects like this are essential for local communities, providing local green spaces where wildlife can thrive and people can enjoy the natural world."

Examples of the diverse flora and fauna that people can enjoy at the reserve include the common spotted orchid as well as a variety of bird species such as sparrow hawks and all three species of British woodpeckers.

Organisers of the open day say the restoration project shows how the determination of a team of volunteers who want to improve their local area can lead to real changes in the community.

The public are invited to attend the official opening event on July 15 at 2pm.