Residents and councillors were today celebrating after a nature reserve for Hawkwell was given the green light.

Members of Hawkwell Parish Council asked Rochford District Council to declare a part of Magnolia Road public open space as a local nature reserve.

It will be known as Magnolia Nature Reserve and will be managed by Hawkwell Parish Council.

The reserve spans more than eight hectares and contains wild flowers, grasses, and a pond, which is visited by darters, damselflies and great crested newts.

It will officially open on April 24 at 2pm and people are welcome to go along and have a look.

There will be a board displaying the various walks and different types of wildlife around the park.

Members of Rochford District Council's transportation and environmental services committee agreed the nature reserve.

Heather Glynn (Lib Dem, Hawkwell East) said: "I am delighted with this as it is a fantastic area."

Mavis Webster, (Con, Wheatley) said: "It is wonderful to know the whole site is going to be protected."

Youngsters from nearby schools will have the chance to make full use of the nature reserve.

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