A SECLUDED nature reserve opened its gates to the public to showcase it’s tranquil setting and raise money for charity.

The annual Bobbits Hole Stroll saw the site off Main Road behind Asda, in Dovercourt, open for free.

Owned and run by the Harwich Society, the venue hosts the event once a year and chooses a different animal charity to support.

Colin Farnell, society chairman, said: “One of our volunteers also helps the North East Essex Badger Group, so he suggested them.

“We raised £375 for the badger charity on the day.

“It was a lovely day and we had more than 300 people come into Bobbits Hole.”

There were stalls including the Badger Rescue, a raffle and tombola as well as a badger themed quiz for children and cakes.

Colin, who also dressed up as a badger for the event, said: “Lots of people came and said they hadn’t been here before and said it is lovely so the day is good advertising for Bobbits Hole.”

Bobbit’s Hole dates back to at least 1550 and was once part of a cements works with the water used to flush out the channel at Pattrick’s Wharf.

In 1906, the Pattrick estate was sold and the area fell into disuse.

In 1976, the Harwich Society made the site its project for the Silver Jubilee Year of 1977 and in 1993, purchased the reserve.