TV producer opens village nature reserve

As well as opening the nature area, Mr Moss visited the site last Wednesday, which is located close to Long Clawson Village Hall, to take part in a two mile nature walk around the village, hold two presentations for Long Clawson Primary School and host an evening presentation on the work of BBC wildlife, which was attended by up to 80 people.

The nature area was the brainchild of Long Clawson Village Hall and Recreational Ground Committee who managed to secure £20,000 funding for the project from a Leicestershire County Council Shires grant and the Community Spaces Big Lottery Fund.

Long Clawson Primary School was actively involved in the project, planting more than 200 trees, including a royal oak ,for future generations to enjoy and villagers also got stuck in, lending a hand to complete the nature area, which took 18 months to finish.

The nature area includes a large pond and 400 metre circular path, as well as picnic area and wild flowers.

The recreational committee worked closely with the Wildlife Trust and Leicestershire County Council’s Environmental Department to use trees and flowers which will help attract wildlife.

Mr Moss was invited to the village by Long Clawson resident Dr Rob Lambert, a University of Nottingham environmental historian, who has previously worked with the BBC.

Chris Carson, recreational committee member, said: “Mr Moss was very enthusiastic and humorous and I was struck by how knowledgable he was.

“He put everyone at ease and was so interesting to listen to.

“He told us that he had enjoyed his visit to the village so much that he might come back and do another talk next year, we are hoping he will.”