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The reserve is a far cry from the redundant gravel pit by-product from the construction of the Welshpool bypass.

Visited by thousands of people each year, it is now a haven for a variety of wildlife, particularly birds, both common and rare.

The environmental education work of the Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust was awarded the 'Most Sustainable Education Project in Wales 2008' award at the Quarry Products Association Wales Annual Seminar supported by the Aggregates Levy Fund for Wales.

The project – 'Extraction to Education', beat at least 50 other projects across Wales to win the award which was presented by Jane Davidson, Minister for the Environment, Sustainability and Housing in Cardiff .

Over the last two-and-a- half years, the Llyn Coed Y Dinas Nature Reserve has been visited by about four-and-a-half thousand local school children from across the county.

It is geared towards providing a safe environment for local primary school children and groups to learn about the natural and built environment and their interdependence with each other.

Activities are led by the trust's education officer, Sarah Lofits, who is funded through the project.

Sarah said: "This project is so important, children come to the reserve to learn about its history and how it was created. The children take home with them the positive message that it is possible for humans to co-exist with nature in a sustainable way.

"Children also have the rare opportunity to 'get hands on with nature' at the dipping pond on the Reserve."

The project also runs an out-reach service to local schools and clubs.
Family Events are run at the reserve during school holidays by Sarah, her volunteers and reserve warden, Chris Townsend.

Details of all activities and the schools environmental education service are available from the trust office in Welshpool on 01938 555654.