Kew nature reserve reopens after two-year closure

Some 150 acres of the Loder Valley Nature Reserve were closed in 2022

A nature reserve in West Sussex has partially reopened two and a half years after it was forced to close.

Kew's Wakehurst botanical gardens closed 150 acres of the Loder Valley Nature Reserve, near Ardingly, in December 2022 to carry out tree felling because of ash dieback.

Visitors can now explore the reserve on a new 3.7km (2.3 miles) route through the ancient woodland and meadows, which are home to delicate and diverse flora.

Steve Robinson, nature reserve lead, said: "The reserve is a truly remarkable ancient landscape, and we're excited to welcome visitors back."

The reserve was closed while infected trees were removed as they posed a risk to the public.

The timber has been used to support "natural regeneration" or has been repurposed around the garden, Steve said.

Visitors venturing out to the reserve can spot wildlife, including kingfishers, from one of three hides.

People can also learn about the traditional landscape management practices that take place in the woodlands, from coppicing to charcoal burning.

This year also marks a decade since the creation of the Coronation Meadow, which is a "thriving tapestry of native wildflowers with the familiar buzz of visiting pollinators".