Dovedale becomes nature reserve

More than one million people visit Dovedale each year

Dovedale in the Peak District has been named a National Nature Reserve by the new countryside agency Natural England.

The declaration has been made in recognition of Dovedale's diverse flower-rich grassland, ash woodlands and distinctive rock formations.

The area on the Derbyshire and Staffordshire border is visited by one million people a year and is one of more than 200 such reserves in the UK.

Natural England said it would help maintain the area as a national jewel.

The designation will be marked by a special ceremony on Friday, led by Fiona Reynolds, director general of the National Trust, which owns the beauty spot.

"The status of National Nature Reserve will help us to provide even greater opportunities for people to discover and enjoy what makes Dovedale special," she said.