The 13-acre site of lowland heath at Railway Terrace is the first in Bradford and is a haven for wildlife and wild flowers.

The site is managed on behalf of the council's Countryside and Rights of Way Service by the Conservation Management Centre, Forster Community College (formerly Bradford Cathedral Centre).

Peter Boyd, from the CMC, said the opening was a great success.

"We had more than 250 people on the day and about 100 for the opening ceremony so it was a really good turnout," said Mr Boyd.

"We are delighted with this new recognition for one of the top conservation sites in the district and we hope people will visit the reserve on a regular basis.

"We are especially grateful for all the help provided by a team of local voluntary wardens who help with monitoring work and not least Mr Martin Priestley, who for 30 years has walked the site weekly and published annual wildlife reports. We would also like to offer our sincere thanks to Low Moor Urban Village Partnership for all their help and hard work with fund-raising efforts."

Mr Boyd said the CMC was now hoping to achieve the same nature reserve status for Toad's Hole Beck, a site which almost touches Railway Terrace.

He added: "This is another very important area of open green space which is linked to Railway Terrace by a foot-bridge. The next stage for us is to get it designated by the council."