A new public nature reserve is opening in Dorset in May to provide a space for tranquility and provide natural habitats for wildlife.

Opening for the first time on the King's Coronation weekend on Sunday, May 7, the public is invited to a formal opening of the Knighton Reserve at 11.30am.

The area, which borders Warmwell and Crossways near Dorchester, forms part of the Silverlake estate, a private luxury holiday home estate built around an expanse of lakes, woodlands and heathlands.

The 15.5 hectare green space will open to the public for the first time since the site was a former sand quarry and Second World War air base, and will be a Suitable Alternative Natural Green Space (SANG). 

Those who visit for the official opening are also invited to take part in the traditional Coronation Coracle races on the lakes between 1pm and 4pm.

The small, one-person coracle boats are one of the most unusual to paddle along Britain’s waterways and can be traced back thousands of years. 

The nature reserve has been carefully designed to meet the needs of a wide range of wildlife species, including dormice, smooth snake, Great crested newts and the Silver-studded blue butterfly.

It is made up of acid grassland, broadleaved woodland, wet woodlands, scrubs, waterbodies, lakeside beeches and reed beds.

Integrated into the habitats will be walking routes, dog-friendly zones, bridle paths and birdwatching lookouts.

Included in the network is the 'Pooch’s Place' route, a one kilometre walk set aside as the only area where dogs are allowed off-lead.

This area includes a dog splash pond and dog swimming area in an enclosed area of one of the three lakes.

Scattered throughout the reserve are also allocated bird watching viewing posts, from where an array of species can be seen, including birds of prey.

For anglers, two adjoined fishing lakes which will be exclusively for the use of members of the onsite Angler’s Club.

Will Vicary, director of land and planning for Habitat First Group, which owns and manages the Silverlake Estate and Knighton Reserve, said: “The primary purpose is to provide a space for wildlife to thrive in its natural habitat.

"We are delighted to be able to open this space up to the local community.

"Open space is incredibly important for mental health and we hope that people will come and enjoy the space, but ask everyone to understand that we all have a responsibility to protect the animals, insects and plant life that have made the SANG their home.”