19/12/2007 05:08:37
A Bournemouth beauty spot has been named as a Local Nature Reserve (LNR).
The 23-acre stretch of land on the Boscombe and Southbourne Overcliff is home to wildlife including the wall lizard, a rare non-native reptile which has established colonies along parts of the South Coast.
Helen Powell from Natural England told BBC News: "We are delighted that Bournemouth has declared this fascinating area of the borough as a Local Nature Reserve.
"It is clearly valued by the local community for its wildlife and the enjoyment that brings to local people and visitors alike."
The declaration of the land as an LNR comes shortly after the go-ahead was given for Europe’s first artificial surf reef to be built at Boscombe.
Will you be visiting Bournemouth’s new nature reserve, or riding the waves on the surf reef when it’s finished? Best Western has a selection of hotels in Bournemouth.