A new nature reserve has been formally opened on the edge of Ipswich.

Kiln Meadow, which is owned by the borough, was saved from development last year when the council opted not to sell the site.

It was then given nature reserve status and formally opened by council leader David Ellesmere with support from the Greenways Project, which manages the site, Ipswich Wildlife Group volunteers and county councillor Helen Armitage.

Kiln Meadow is almost 10 acres in size and comprises a mix of rough grassland, scrub, developing woodland and hedgerows.

The wildlife importance of the site is considerable due to it supporting a very wide range of plant and animal species, with several protected or priority species including dormice, common toads, slow worms, lizards and grass snakes.

The site is also a key part of the Belstead Brook Park, the informal country park around the edge of south-west Ipswich.

Mr Ellesmere said: “One of the first big decisions we had to take when Labour took control of the council in 2011 was what to do about Kiln Meadow. This is a 10 acre plot of land and is home to rare species such as dormice, slow worms, lizards and grass snakes.”