A NATURE reserve has celebrated its second anniversary as received an accolade from the national tourist board.

Brockholes Nature Reserve, Samlesbury, which opened to the public in April 2011, has been given a glowing report from Visit England.

The Lancashire Wildlife Trust managed reserve received a positive assessment, which said that Brockholes “fully merits the accreditation of a Quality Assured Visitor Attraction.”

The report stated that it is has made “huge progress” and “is going from strength to strength”.

Further comments said that the site offers “an excellent visitor experience” and that Brockholes “has the potential to get better and better”.

Brockholes General Manager, Kath Knight, said: “It’s very rewarding that all the hard work of our staff and volunteers has been recognised.

“With the fantastic events planned over the next few months, as well as new additions to the reserve including a new hide and play equipment, I’m certain Brockholes will continue to delight visitors.”

The upcoming bank holiday weekend (May 4-6) sees Brockholes hosts a Scarecrow Festival each day from 11am-4pm.