A CAMPAIGN to attract more civilian visitors to a nature reserve hidden among the barracks of Europe's largest Army base has been launched.

Catterick Garrison's Foxglove Covert - the only nature reserve in the country managed by the British Army - is home to 1,400 different species of flora and fauna.

Opened in 1992, the reserve has gradually been expanded and now includes 75 acres of woodland, wetland and other natural habitats criss-crossed by three miles of pathways.

In a bid to encourage local residents to visit and enjoy the reserve, Army chiefs are holding a open day on Saturday, May 28.

Major Tony Crease, who helped open and who manages the reserve, said it was a place everyone from schoolchildren to nature experts could learn from.

"What makes the reserve unique, is the mosaic of different habitats we have here," he said.

"We already have schoolchildren, students and local natural history groups using the reserve.

"Now we want others from the local community to be aware of the wildlife on their doorstep."

Richmond MP William Hague is a supporter of the reserve and will be attending the event to officially open a new bird-watching hide.

The reserve has its own bird-ringing team that meets every Sunday to collect information on bird habits for the use of scientists.

Owl bird boxes and an artificial sand martin colony have been installed.

There is also a field centre on site, equipped with classrooms, interactive displays - and an indoor beehive.

Reserve warden Mark Hewitt said: "There's more to this place than just flowers and wildlife.

"It's of regional importance for a range of species of plants and birds and I would say to the local community that it has to be something worth visiting."

The free open day runs from 10am to 4pm on May 28. Access is through Cambra Barracks, in Ava Road, Catterick Garrison.

Activities include bird ringing demonstration, owl pellet dissection and wildlife walks.