AN AWARD-WINNING wildlife group will be celebrating 50 years of a haven in Ogwell.

Rectory Field, at the edge of the village, is a five acre plot managed jointly by the Woodland Trust and local wildlife group Ogwild whose aim is to create a treasured local spot for both wildlife and people. 

An open day is being held to mark its half century on Saturday July 27.

Ogwild has worked to encourage biodiversity at the site by placing stone piles and ‘reptile mats’ for lizards, toads, slow worms, mice and voles. 

Wildflowers already in the field are protected and helped to spread.  

The volunteers have created wood and grass piles for insects and pollinators and erected boxes for bats and birds, including owls.

Meanwhile a community orchard has been planted with old Devon fruit varieties as well as native deciduous trees,  all donated by the community and many have memorial plaques.

The site will be open for visitors from 1pm to 4pm, with activities for families and children including workshops, a butterfly count and scavenger hunt and a raffle, coffee and cakes.

Ogwild’s Linda Chapman said: ‘We are only a small group of volunteers but we like to organise big-hearted events. 

‘We are keeping our fingers crossed for sunny weather so we can celebrate 50 years since this beautiful site was donated to the Woodland Trust. 

‘We hope everyone will come along, enjoy the views and join in with all the activities we’ve got planned.’ 

Everyone welcome, including well-behaved dogs on leads. Entry is free.