FAMILIES, walkers and wildlife enthusiasts from across Herefordshire are being invited to the opening of a new county nature reserve.

Natural England has extended its invitation to attend Moccas Hill Wood on Saturday, May 21 which will be opened for the first time in living memory.

Those attending will have the chance to explore and learn more about the wildlife, landscape and history of the hilltop site, which is adjacent to the Moccas Park National Nature Reserve.

The free event will begin at 10am, and will end by 3pm. Experts will be on hand to offer guided walks where visitors can learn about the unique features of the site, or explore the site at their own pace on the family-friendly discovery trail.

After years under plantation forestry, the site is being restored to open wood pasture using designs based on Capability Brown, and ecological principles.

"This is a great opportunity for local people to explore an amazing new site and enjoy stunning views across the Herefordshire hills and Black Mountains," said Natural England's senior reserve manager, Saul Herbert.

"But it's much more than that. We are starting work to replant the site with seedlings from the majestic veteran trees at Moccas Park National Nature Reserve, to re-create the open woodland that once covered this area.

"We hope lots of families and wildlife enthusiasts alike will join us to learn more about this site and its history, enjoy the new discovery trail and celebrate returning this stunning hilltop to its former glory."

Parking is at Moccas Park National Nature Reserve, which is on Pentre Lane in Bredwardine. A free minibus service will run all day to and from the site. Catering and toilets will also be available.

National Nature Reserves are some of the finest sites in England for wildlife and geology. They have been established to protect and manage the special wildlife habitats, species and geological features that occur there.

These features are of national and often international importance with many NNRs providing important areas for study and research.