A GWENT nature reserve scooped a top national award after staff created the perfect environment for birds.

Judges from the British Trust for Ornithology were singing the praises of a conservation project created by rangers at Llandegfedd Reservior near Pontypool.

The reservoir fought off stiff competition from around the country to net first prize in the conservation category for major wetland sites in the trust's Hanson Bird Challenge.

Rangers oversaw a raft of new projects including the planting of new reed beds and trees, the creation of new ponds and a half hectare seed planting scheme to attract birds in the winter.

Nest boxes were also put up, and new bird hides were built, along with a bird feeding station and an artificial sand martin bank.

The work has helped the reservoir become an ideal home for birds such as the greater spotted woodpecker, tree sparrow, reed warbler, reed bunting and greater crested grebe.

Area manager for Welsh Water, Chris Hatch said: "We believe our work has had a significant impact in terms of attracting more wildlife - particularly birds."

Eleven sites entered the major wetlands category in the challenge - including Rutland Water and Grafham Water in the Anglian area, and Carsington Water in Derbyshire.

Hanson Challenge organiser Helen Kramer said: "The challenge is a unique partnership between the British Trust for Ornithology, business and local communities, which celebrates the range of environmental work being undertaken at commercial sites.

"Congratulations to all those involved in the management of Llandegfedd Reservoir. They thoroughly deserve this award."

The reservoir, which is run by Dwr Cymru Welsh Water and United Utilities, is one of the largest stretches of open water in South Wales and attracts about 250,000 visitors a year.

It has a range of activities including angling, sailing, windsurfing and bird watching.