A QUIET nature reserve was abuzz at the weekend as an event was held to celebrate its history and wildlife.

Bonds Meadow in Oulton, which is cared for by volunteers, hosted a summer display on Sunday which saw local artists displaying wood carvings, wooden bowls and items recycled from trees.

There were also artefacts on show from Oulton Broad Museum, including items from the two world wars.

The event also gave children the chance to get up close to nature and explore some of the seven acres of woods and grassland that make up the reserve – which is situated in the middle of a residential area between Sands Lane, Hall Road, Elmhurst Avenue, Chestnut Avenue and Gorleston Road.

The reserve is named after Arthur Harper Bond who owned the land in the early 20th century, and it is managed by the Bonds Meadow Community Association in partnership with Waveney District Council and Waveney Norse.

The preservation and conservation of Bonds Meadow is a community project with volunteers giving up their free time to help maintain it for visitors and as a habitat for wildlife.

More than 30 species of bird – including willow warblers and green woodpeckers – mammals such as muntjac deer and foxes, and other species including dragonflies and newts have been seen there.

Allyson Barron, chairman of the community association, said: 'Bonds Meadow is the hidden jewel in the heart of Oulton Broad. Sunday's event was a display to celebrate the historical value and importance of nature in the area.'

For more information visit www.bondsmeadow.org