A NEW bird hide has been opened at a popular North Herefordshire nature reserve.

The launch of the hide, funded by the Herefordshire Ornithological Club, was celebrated at event which was also attended by the Herefordshire Amphibian and Reptile Trust.

It is part of the Lugg Wetland Gem project at the lake which has secured funding from the Heritage Lottery and European Regional Development Fund and will take place over two years, focusing on key aspects of restoration as well as providing more facilities for wildlife watchers of all ages.

The planned restoration work includes re-profiling areas of the lake’s steep sides, creating shallower banks and encouraging reed bed to establish – essential for iconic wetland species including bearded tits, bitterns and reed warblers.

Floating islands will also be launched for birds to nest in safety away from predators while an osprey platform will be erected in the hope that ospreys will stop there during their migration and maybe even breed at the site.

Sophie Cowling, Herefordshire Wildlife Trust’s Living Landscape Officer for the Lugg Valley, who is running the project said: "It was a lovely day with a great atmosphere and lots of people really excited about the project."

An event for people who want to find out about volunteering with the project will take place at Bodenham Village Hall on Friday, May 19 at 6.30pm.