Oakfrith Wood celebrates its new status from 8 May.

Oakfrith Wood in Urchfont will celebrate its new status on 8 May, with an open day.

The 32-acre wood was bought - with the rest of the estate - by the county council in 1945. Records show the wood dates back to the 18th Century.

Wiltshire Council applied to English Nature for the designation, which gives more protection to the area.

Footpaths open

Visitors will be able to explore the woodland, predominantly made up of beech, ash and oak with a few conifers, by using the network of public paths.

The woodland is one of the few remaining areas of significant woodland in the Pewsey Vale following the outbreak of Dutch Elm disease in the early 1970s.

English Nature spokesperson Katie Lloyd said: "Local nature reserves give people special opportunities to enjoy and have contact with nature, or to study and learn about wildlife.

"English Nature is delighted Oakfrith Wood has been declared as the 1,001st local nature reserve in England. It is a haven for wildlife, and a great asset to the county of Wiltshire," she said.