A WILDLIFE haven between Nailsea and Tickenham is set to become a wetland area thanks to a cash injection by a water company.

Planning permission has been granted for five ponds to be added to Moorend Spout, owned and managed by Nailsea Environment & Wildlife Trust (NEWT), the first of which will be funded by a Wessex Watermark Award of �300.

The six-acre habitat, which already includes a waterfall, rhynes, streams and springs surrounding woodland, is managed by NEWT to promote public awareness of its biodiversity.

NEWT chairman Terry Smith said: “We want to encourage schoolchildren to learn about nature on the reserve.

“We know the area is frequented by otters and kingfishers and we want to encourage dragonflies and some of the more unusual plants like our native orchids to flourish.

“Once we have improved access to the wettest areas we plan to give conducted tours.

“The new pond and dipping platform will be a great attraction for children - there is nothing like hands-on experience to appreciate the local wildlife.”

The Watermark Award, now in its 18th year, has provided funds for than 800 environmental projects within the Wessex Water area.

Initiatives are judged by The Conservation Foundation whose president is well known TV botanist David Bellamy.