WORK has begun transforming a Hampshire farmer’s field into a new wildflower meadow nature reserve.

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust has begun work at on the Barton Meadows Nature Reserve.

The first public paths, fencing, gates, and benches were unveiled at the 30-hectare site to mark the trust officially taking on the lease.

Barton Farm developer CALA Homes set aside the land to create the space for wildlife and public access.

The trust has been appointed by CALA, on behalf of Winchester City Council, to manage the new reserve.

When finished, it will include two traditional wildflower meadows and new permissive public access, forming a 2.75 km circular path around the perimeter.

Conservationists hope to create habitat for butterflies, bees and birds like skylark, yellowhammer and linnet.

Trust chief executive Debbie Tann said: “We are delighted that we have been appointed to manage this site for the benefit of the people and wildlife of Winchester. We are also very proud that we have used local wood for the benches from the New Forest.”

“There are not many sites where we can create a new habitat. What we do often is protect and enhance.

“It will look very different but it will look beautiful, and because of the view you can take it all in from here.”

She added that in the future the Trust hope to begin working with schools in the area to run education programmes at the site.

Cllr Jane Rutter, the mayor of Winchester, said: “This site has been part of our community for walks, but of course it is going to be so much better.

“It is a fabulous resource for walking, for running, for getting some fresh air.”

The wildlife trust plans to start the seeding process in the autumn in order that it will be in full bloom in the spring and summer of 2018.

Magdalen Hill, on the other side of the city, was returned to nature as a butterfly sanctuary around 20 years ago.