Reading Celebrates New Wetland Nature Reserve

Always nice to hear about the opening of a new nature reserve, particularly in an area of the country that has a reputation for having high density housing.

But Reading, Berkshire, has reason to celebrate as the Fobney Island Nature Reserve has just opened.
Former rough grassland in the area has been transformed to attract more wildlife including birds, bats, water voles, and otters. It now offers wetland as well as a wildflower meadow, hay meadow and reed bed habitats, new ponds and river features.

The opening event included guided walks around the reserve, an educational display and face painting.  Former Reading West MP Martin Salter, now a campaigns co-ordinator for the Angling Trust, officially opened the site.

Following the ceremony, children from local schools were the first to be shown round.

Reading Borough councillor Marian Livingston said the new nature reserve would "provide an excellent resource for learning about local nature, as well as providing a tranquil leisure facility for the people of Reading."

The work has been done by the council, Environment Agency, Thames Water and Thames Rivers' Restoration Trust. Berkshire Ornithological Club and Reading and District Angling Association provided specialist advice throughout the project.

                             http://www.berksoc.org.uk/fobney/fobney_island.shtml