A NATURE reserve is holding its annual open day this weekend.

Visitors will be able to enjoy Tophill Low, the East Yorkshire Nature Reserve run by Yorkshire Water, for free on Sunday, from 10am to 4pm.

Reserve warden Richard Hampshire said: “The reserve always looks spectacular in mid-June, with woodlands alive with bird song and foxgloves aplenty.

“It’s a time of year when the volunteers and I enjoy the merits of a year of hard work, and it’s great to show people the reserve and what we do with help from our friends.”

The reserve recently received a highly-commended accolade from the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors for the new Yorkshire Water-funded bird hide, which will be at the centre of the day.

Visitors will be able to enjoy an array of conservation and environment themed activities.

Local conservation groups, including East Yorkshire Bat Group, Hedgehog rescue, Yorkshire Red Kites, Natural England, the Wildlife Trusts, RSPB and Badger Protection Society, will be on hand to show how they help local wildlife.

Humberside Police Wildlife Crime Unit will be talking about their anti-poaching work.

Local history groups are presenting the human side of the river Hull Valley. There’s also lots on for younger enthusiasts with the reserve education team and the Cranedale Centre demonstrating the pond dipping, bug hunting and craft activities on offer regardless of the weather.

Local artists John Naylor and Jan Taylor will be bringing exhibitions of their wildlife themed artwork and a number of the reserves photographers will be presenting too.

The reserve four miles from the A164 at Watton near Driffield. No dogs, normal admission is £3.50 for adults and £1.80 for concessions.