NATURE-lovers are invited to an open day at Farmoor Reservoir to learn more about the vast array of birds and wildlife at the site.

During the event visitors will have the chance to spot some of the Thames Water-managed reservoir’s regular feathered residents -including ospreys, great crested grebes, barn owls, swallows, sand pipers and oyster catchers.

Other activities on offer at the West Oxfordshire attraction will be a bird ringing demonstration, stalls from the RSPB and the Oxfordshire Ornithological Society, as well as arts and crafts.

Hanna Jenkins from Thames Water said: “Farmoor Reservoir plays a hugely important role in keeping the residents of Oxfordshire and beyond supplied with top quality drinking water but also provides a habitat for a wide range of wildlife, particularly birds."

The open day starts at 10am on May 5 and finishes at 4pm. It is open to both experienced and fledgling birders alike.

Farmoor Reservoir was built in 1977 and holds enough water to supply the majority of Oxfordshire and Swindon for 100 days.

As well as providing water and being a haven for nature it also well-used for walking, sailing and angling and has a specially built nature trail suitable for wheelchairs.

Last year around 15,000 visits were made to the reservoir’s angling centre.