THE first dedicated nature reserve to be developed within the city walls of York has been launched.

Lord Mayor Cllr Dave Taylor visited the reserve with local youngsters to unveil a series of riverside plaques they have designed for the wildlife sanctuary, which forms part of the Hungate development.

The unveiling followed the natural nesting of creatures including bees and otters and continues Hungate’s partnership with the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust to create a legacy for future generations.

A locally-run project saw children from six schools tasked with creating educational riverside plaques, outlining the wildlife that can be found in the nature reserve.

And the corporate development officer at the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, Julie Smith said: “The new plaques ensure that people of all ages will be able to enjoy and engage in this place for generations to come – it is a great milestone for protecting inner-city wildlife.”

Set along the River Foss, the Hungate Nature Reserve is a quiet and secluded area that is to be left to “run wild” and therefore become a habitat where a variety of species will be able to thrive within the city walls.