THE number of people visiting Nailsea's nature reserve soared during 2006, an annual report has revealed. The reserve, at Stockway North, has seen visitor figures

THE number of people visiting Nailsea's nature reserve soared during 2006, an annual report has revealed.The reserve, at Stockway North, has seen visitor figures increase from 403 in 2005 to 655 last year.The wildlife haven is managed by the Friends of Stockway North Nature Reserve which spent hours each year looking after and tending the site.Friends of Stockway North Nature Reserve chairman Andrew Town said: "We are very pleased that the number of visitors has risen over the last year and it is testament to the amount of hard work which volunteers carry out at the reserve."One of our objectives is to increase the number of visitors and to also use the reserve as an educational resource."This year work has been carried out to remove a number of large sycamore trees, with the stumps being left to attract insects, birds and other wildlife.Tree planting, coppicing, meadow cutting and path repairs have been carried out during the monthly work days.New displays and information boards have also been installed around the reserve.And the work to attract wildlife to the site is working with 180 different plants thriving in the reserve.A total of 33 different species of birds and 15 types of butterflies have been spotted as well as dragonflies, newt, frogs and damselflies.This year has also seen a rise in the number of school groups and community organisations visiting the reserve for activities including pond dipping, bark rubbing and plant identification.A total of 331 children visited the site over the year while other visitors explored the reserve on a series of open days.The reserve will be opening every Wednesday afternoon from April 1 and also on the first Saturday of each month from 2-5pm.Anyone who wants to help with the reserve can contact Andrew Town on 01275 858064 or Pat Robinson on 01275 854628.