A POPULAR York green area has been granted local nature reserve status by City of York Council.

Hob Moor, situated behind the Edmund Wilson Swimming Baths, in Thanet Road, Acomb, is home to skylark and meadow pipit who have large breeding grounds here.

It has nearly 300 plant species, contains excellent ridge and furrow landscapes, and is popular with dog walkers.

The Lord Mayor, of York, Charles Hall, officially declared the newly-recognised site open and hundreds of people enjoyed a fun day with live music, jugglers and a storyteller.

York MP Hugh Bayley said: "The designation of Hob Moor as a local nature reserve will ensure that the wildlife in this area will be protected for local communities to experience for generations to come.

"It is recognition of the work that has been done to enhance the site for wildlife, such as nesting skylarks and meadow pipits, and the many species of plants that grow there. This is an excellent achievement and I congratulate the Friends of Hob Moor for their work in helping to achieve this recognition on behalf of local people and the wildlife that is flourishing there."

Updated: 10:07 Friday, May 30, 2003