A NATURE reserve at Langford Heathfield, near Wellington, will benefit from a £12,433 grant from Biffaward.

Somerset Wildlife Trust applied for the funding, which will be used to manage the land.

Shetland ponies and native sheep currently graze the grassland, and temporary fencing will be put up to conserve areas of precious and delicate habitat.

Much of the 90-hectare site is common land, and is a mixture of ancient woodland, scrub and heath grassland. It has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Its wide range of habitats - including fen marsh and swamp - support a wide range of species, including the rare heath spotted orchid, lesser spotted woodpecker and dormouse.

Martin Bettington, chairman of Biffaward, said: "Biffaward is delighted to support projects such as this one, which will ensure the effective management of neighbouring habitats. One of our priorities is to ensure that funding goes to protect the UK's biodiversity, encouraging more people to learn, enjoy and take an interest in the environment on their doorsteps."