A NATURE reserve is offering free entry to National Lottery players as part of national '#ThanksToYou' celebrations.

RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands is one of the hundreds of participating National Lottery-funded visitor attractions across the UK saying 'thanks' to people who have helped raise cash for good causes from 3 to 9 December.

To gain free entry, provide a National Lottery ticket or scratchcard between the dates to get a free entry in return.

Visitor experience manager at Burton Mere Wetlands Dan Trotman said: “Thanks to National Lottery players we’ve been able to create this fantastic site that is home to a great variety of wonderful wildlife and enjoyed by thousands of people every year. At this time of year, the area is particularly famous for the large numbers and variety of wading birds and ducks that spend the winter months here.

"The funding we received from the National Lottery not only allowed us to create and enhance the habitat here where they live, but also to build our cosy visitor centre from which they can be viewed by the warmth of our wood-burning stove, whilst enjoying a hot drink and a snack.”

In total, the nature reserve near Neston has received around £1 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Ros Kerslake, chief executive of the Heritage Lottery Fund, said: “December is a wonderful time to experience the UK’s rich, diverse and exciting heritage, which has been transformed by more than £7.8bn National Lottery funding since 1994.

"This is a small gesture of thanks and a way of giving something back to the people who buy tickets.”

For more information visit www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/events-dates-and-inspiration/thanks-to-you