Sir I was very concerned to read that Ronald Brind, whose organisation uses the C.S. Lewis Nature Reserve in Risinghurst to conduct tours for American tourists, was disgusted' by the efforts of local people and BBOWT to improve and enhance this beautiful but vulnerable site (Report, March 31).

From the outset of this initiative, BBOWT have involved local people in the decision making; identified problems and listened to concerns and organised working parties to clean up the area, remove non-native species and encourage appropriate use.

This is a long-term commitment which will benefit the reserve.

BBOWT have set up a local group called the Friends of C.S. Lewis reserve and as a member of that group I was working on the reserve when Mr Brind turned up with his customers.

The group of volunteers were removing bamboo with the help of a BBOWT team.

I find it insulting that someone who doesn't live in the area and who apparently doesn't have a clue about conservation can be so quick to resort to denigrating the efforts of the local community.

With the renewed interest in the Narnia stories it is important that the site is managed sensitively, most especially for the wildlife that live there, but also for the community of Risinghurst who live beside it.

Dee Sinclair,City councillor, Quarry and Risinghurst