A COUNTY nature reserve is set to become a 'wildlife haven' after a project to revitalise it was given a funding boost.

Herefordshire Wildlife Trust has secured funding from the Heritage Lottery and European Regional Development Fund for a project beginning at Bodenham Lake nature reserve this spring.

Over two years, the project will focus on key aspects of restoration at the popular spot as well as providing more facilities for wildlife watchers of all ages.

The planned work includes re-profiling areas of the lake’s steep sides, creating shallower banks and encouraging reed bed (Phragmites) to establish.

Reed bed habitat is considered essential for many iconic wetland species including bearded tits, bitterns and reed warblers but is becoming increasingly scarce across the UK.

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.

The Lugg Living Landscape Officer, Sophie Cowling, said: “This is such an exciting project. We have the opportunity to create a fantastic habitat for wildlife and over the coming years we hope to see species such as ospreys and bearded tits breeding at Bodenham Lake.

"We will be launching a number of surveying groups to monitor numbers of mammals (including otters), crayfish and other key species and hope to have lots of volunteers involved from the local community and across the county.”

The chances of spotting some of these species will also be increased as a second bird hide, donated by the Herefordshire Ornithological Club, is due to be installed this summer.

For younger visitors, a new pond-dipping pool and platform will be created at the reserve which will be available for families and schools to explore pond life at close quarters.

There will be events happening throughout the project for people to find out more about how the project is progressing and enjoy the site.

More information about the project and how to get involved can be found at herefordshirewt.co.uk/bodenhamlake