A FIELD study centre has been officially opened at an award-winning nature reserve in the heart of Catterick Garrison.

The £325,000 purpose-built centre is the culmination of ten years' work by conservationists at Foxglove Covert.

The building provides a bird ringing room, display area with indoor beehive, activity room with one-way observation windows and a wildlife garden.

It replaces a portable building used by conservationists, including the local bird ringing group, since 1992.

Field Marshall Sir John Chapple officially opened the centre by unveiling a specially commissioned carved stone.

Guests at the ceremony on Wednesday included representatives of the groups which have supported the nature reserve since it was set aside for conservation by the army in 1992.

The 70-acre site is the Ministry of Defence's first official local nature reserve and, so far, more than 900 species have been logged and 20,000 birds ringed.

Major Tony Crease, a founder member of the conservation group, said: "When we set out, nobody really knew it would have any long-term success.

"That people in the local community have steadfastly supported the idea for so long is quite remarkable.

"The whole idea has evolved over the years and more and more people are coming along to visit as it fulfils a requirement for many different interest groups.

"The new centre was desperately needed, as we had completely outgrown ourselves, and the new facilities are absolutely marvellous."

The centre has already won the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust conservation award for this year and the reserve has already been given awards under the Silver Otter, Shell Better Britain and Transco Community schemes.

The building is already being used by school groups, natural historians, beekeepers and community groups as well as for regular bird ringing courses and art classes.

Major Crease paid tribute to the MoD, Army Training Estates and Defence Estates for their support over the years. Colin Newlands, conservation officer for English Nature, said: "An enormous amount of effort and enthusiasm has gone into Foxglove Covert over the last ten years, mostly by a dedicated band of volunteers drawn from army personnel and the local community.

"The new centre is a just reward for their vision that has made the reserve what it is today."

Other donors included the Dulverton Trust, Lloyds TSB, Yorventure, North Yorkshire County and Richmondshire District Councils and Yorkshire Forward.