Hull's first nature reserve Noddle Hill opens

Noddle Hill is home to a variety of wildlife including kingfishers and cuckoos

The first of two new nature reserves in Hull has been officially opened.

Noddle Hill in Bransholme was awarded local nature reserve status last November, along with Rockford Fields on Lamona Avenue.

The 118-acre (48 hectare) site includes wetlands for rare water beetles, great crested newts, grass snakes and water voles.

The wildlife haven was opened by the Lord Mayor of Hull, Colin Inglis, and local MP Diana Johnson.

Hull City Council, which manages the reserve, said it would be a "haven for flora and fauna and for future generations to enjoy".

'Fantastic for wildlife'

Councillor Anita Harrison said: "After more than 10 years of hard work by the Park Rangers, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, the North Carr Conservation Group and the Bransholme East Ward members, the Noddle Hill wildlife area has been officially recognised as the city's first local nature reserve.

"We want as many people as possible to come and celebrate the award."

Noddle Hill was awarded the status after it was improved by Hull City Council and the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust.

Tony Martin, from Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, said: "This spot in the centre of Hull, close to thousands of people, is fantastic for wildlife from mammals such as roe deer and bats, to birds and insects.

"It provides the perfect location for people wanting to escape the urban landscape of the city and reconnect with wildlife."

Rockford Fields, in the city's Holderness ward, is on the site of Sutton Ings, which was used as pasture by the monks of Meaux in the Middle Ages.

Natural England, the government advisory body, paid for some of the conservation project and awarded the site's nature reserve status.