A small nature reserve on the banks of the Thames near Goring has been named as one of the best in the Chilterns in this year’s Chilterns Environment Awards.

The 22 acres of Withymead Nature Reserve owe their existence to the lifelong efforts of Anne Carpmael, who transformed her grounds and neighbouring land into a haven for wetland birds and plants. The reserve is home to kingfishers, ducks and woodland birds and in spring is carpeted with rare Loddon lilies.

Anne Carpmael died in 2003 and the reserve, now owned by the Anne Carpmael Charitable Trust, is managed by wardens Brian and Joyce Shaw.

A great deal of volunteer effort goes into looking after the reserve, in particular by the Sonning Common Green Gym which has regular work parties to carry out major tasks.

Last winter, the green gym volunteers completed a 300m board walk through some areas of the reserve that were inaccessible to visitors. They also erected a bird hide to help people get a closer view of wildlife on the River Thames and in the reed beds.

“We were really impressed with the huge amount of volunteer work that has gone into opening up this gem of a place to the public,” said Kath Daly, of the Chilterns Conservation Board, which organises the Chilterns Environment Awards. “The judges also admired the detailed recording of plant and animal species on the reserve which has taken place for many years — it is a real centre for natural history studies in Oxfordshire.”

Warden Brian Shaw said: “We are delighted to receive this highly commended award for Withymead. It’s great to get confirmation that we are on the right track in everything we are doing here. My wife and I feel it is a real privilege to look after and live in such a special place.”

The Chilterns Awards were launched this year by the Chilterns Conservation Board to recognise all the good work being carried out by individuals, groups and organisations looking after the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The scheme includes The Chilterns Environment Award, The Chilterns Enjoyment and Understanding Award and The Chilterns Buildings Design Awards.

Withymead Nature Reserve is open from April to September by prior arrangement and has open days on Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays in April and May. Ring 01491 872265 or visit www.withymead.co.uk for more information.