A NEW Water Vole Trail is the finishing touch to a five-year conservation project in Winchester.

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust has installed the trail to run from the city centre to the Winnall Moors nature reserve.

Designed by local artist Charlie Carter there are new interpretation boards, art pieces including newly-painted bollards by the Colour Factory.

It celebrates the completion of a five-year Heritage Lottery project to restore the habitat on the reserve and improve access for visitors.

There is no risk of getting lost before you reach the reserve; in honour of Winnall’s most iconic mammal, there are water vole footprints inserted into the pavement right along the route from Abbey Gardens.

The day was launched on Saturday with a series of arts and wildlife activities.