FALCONRY took centre stage at Clifton, York, where dozens of residents gathered to celebrate York's first nature reserve, known locally as Clifton Backies, off Water Lane.

The event saw jugglers, guided walks, have-a-go practical sessions in site management, live music, face-painting and a bouncy castle come to the urban nature area.

Organiser Stephen Whittaker, a local nature reserve officer with City of York Council, said few people knew about the area, which was being improved with a scheme of work that includes opening up overgrown paths.

Updated: 10:34 Monday, July 28, 2003