The completion of 350m of fully accessible paths and two new “kissing gates” marks the official opening of Marquis Meadow in Harpenden.

The land was bought by Harpenden Town Council in January 2015 to become part of Batford Springs Local Nature Reserve, and has now officially become part of the park.

The land runs from the corner of Marquis Lane eastwards to the bottom of Piggotshill Lane.

Its inclusion has increased the size of the reserve by 50 per cent and added around half a kilometre of river bank.

The new path has made the site more accessible to residents and visitors alike, and has also improved access to the Lea Valley walk.

Councillor Brian Ellis, chairman of the council’s environment committee, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to extend the reserve and improve access for all onto Marquis Meadow.

“The town council, along with Batford Springs volunteers, work hard to maintain this area as a nature reserve and hope the public will find the new access enables them to get the most from visiting the reserve.”

More improvements are set to come in the near future, including benches and interpretation panels.