A LOCAL nature reserve has been able to develop a strong volunteer base thanks to a council grant.

The Nosterfield Nature Reserve near Bedale is the only designated one in Hambleton and attracts up to 15,000 visitors annually.

Situated near Thornborough Henges, it is recognised as North Yorkshire’s premier wet grassland for birds and has received a number of national awards.

The £2,500 grant from Hambleton has enabled Northallerton and District Voluntary Service Association to assist the Lower Ure Conservation Trust to build on its volunteers.

It helped them attract more volunteers and ran a series of five workshops at to help formulate policies and procedures for managing them.

Now the reserve has as many as 35 volunteers who carry out tasks including recording the flora and fauna, clearing vegetation and creating new habitats.

One group is even making a base where they can work on projects during the wet days of winter.

“We expect the improved volunteer-base to result in increased visitors and many more people being aware of the reserve, its wildlife, surrounding landscape and local communities,” said director Simon Warwick.