WILDLIFE lovers are invited to a sneak preview of a new nature reserve that has not yet to open to the public.

The Wiltshire Wildlife Trust has organised a guided walk around the Blakehill Nature Reserve near Cricklade on Sunday.

It is restoring the former RAF base to its former glory when it was rich with rare grassland.

The area is host to wildlife such as owls, skylarks, brown hares and a host of wildlife of all kinds.

Volunteer warden Trevor Stinton, 46, of Cricklade, will be leading the walks.

He said: "The base falls neatly into two parts.

"The open bit which was part of the runway and there are no hedges and the area where the bomb stores were, which will be turned into hay meadow fields."

During World War II, the base was used by Dakotas and gliders, where they prepared for the D-day and Arnhem landings. After the war, it was used as a Government research establishment.

The trust is cultivating the 600-acre site as hay meadow grassland, which has become one of the UK's rarest habitats.

Earlier this year, a traditional breed of cattle was brought in to help with the conservation project.

The cows are light on their feet so they are less detrimental to the countryside's wildlife and can survive in adverse weather conditions.

Paul Hill, grassland manager for the trust, said: "Blakehill is nationally important, it is the largest project of its kind. It counts for 55 per cent of the UK target for this type of habitat.

"As a former airfield, there are still many hazards out there which have to be fixed before it can be open to the general public.

"But these walks will keep people up to date and give them a chance to see the rare and traditional cattle breeds that have been introduced."

To join in one of the guided walks, meet at the entrance, by the War Memorial on Braydon Lane, Chelworth Industrial Estate, Cricklade at 2pm.

For more information call Carolynn Jureidini at the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust on 01380 725670, ext 257.

Bhavani Vadde