CORSTON quarry and pond has been formally declared a Local Nature Reserve by the St Paul Malmesbury Without Parish Council.

It means the 0.5-hectare site will be afforded special protection and the parish council will be able to apply for grants for its upkeep.

A limestone quarry is now largely wooded and the pond at its centre is an important breeding ground for toads.

Surrounded by flower rich limestone downland, it is also a breading site for many species of birds, insects and plants as well as amphibians.

Quarrying stopped in the 1950s and the site came into the ownership of the parish council in 1985.

For many years the council has supported a campaign of volunteers led by resident Ann Skinner for the quarry to be granted special status, with backing also coming from English Nature.

Parish council chairman Bernard Ingham said it is the first Local Nature Reserve to be declared in North Wiltshire. He said the district council delegated the powers to the parish council to declare it a reserve on Thursday.

"This will protect this site from development and we have devised a management system to look after it," he said.

Mr Ingham said the site, accessed from either Mill Lane or Common Road, is ideal for parents and children to enjoy nature and study pond life.

A formal opening ceremony will be held in the spring.