The Red River Valley reserve was the first local reserve in the Kerrier district and explores the area's natural history.

Work carried out over the past year has included constructing a boardwalk and the part dredging of Bell Lake.

A weekend of celebrations have been planned by three projects in the area, including English Nature's Wildspace Project and the Cycleau Project.

'Small step'

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's Liveability Scheme has also been heavily involved with work in the area.

A marquee in Tuckingmill Valley park will be the focus of vents including a nature spotting walk, pond dipping and painting using natural pigments.

John Woodward, chairman of Kerrier District Council's Red River Valley Working Party, said: "The work done this year represents the first small step in making the valley one of the most important nature reserves in the South West."

Community Liaison Officer Sarah Byham said: "The next year promises to be just as exciting, with practical conservation work continuing, school visits and projects taking place and an increase in the monitoring of the species found along the reserve.

"It is a special and exciting place which offers so much from both a wildlife and historical perspective."