A NATURE reserve has been able to reopen to the public - earlier than planned.

RSPB Conwy opened on Wednesday, April 14.

A statement on Facebook said: "We are so excited to be able to welcome you back to RSPB Conwy. We have been working hard over the last few weeks to get the reserve ready and safe for our visitors.

"The reserve is covered in cowslips, with chiffchaffs singing, two new Carneddau foals, swallows and martins feeding over the lagoons and plenty of birds busy nest building.

"We can’t wait for you to be able to experience RSPB Conwy’s wonderful wildlife once again."

Welcome back! Picture: RSPB North Wales Facebook

Welcome back! Picture: RSPB North Wales Facebook

The Welsh Government has accelerated elements of its programme to relax Covid-19 restrictions as cases of new infections continue to fall across Wales.

The planned opening date for organised outdoor activities and outdoor wedding receptions has been moved forward to Monday, April 26 from May 3.

From 12 April, travel restrictions within the UK and Common Travel Area were lifted; there was a full return to schools and further education settings; university campuses were given the green light to open for blended face-to-face and online learning; all shops and close contact services were able to reopen and wedding venues are now able to let prospective clients view their premises (by appointment only).

One person queried on the RSPB North Wales Facebook why the site was able to reopen.

RSPB North Wales replied: "We are simply adhering to government guidance.

"There are still guidelines in place for the tourism sector in Wales, which do not yet allow all outdoor visitor attractions like ourselves to open. This has caused confusion as some places can re-open from March 27, such as botanical gardens and the grounds of heritage sites. Initially, based on these guidelines, we were not expecting to be able to open until April 23. However with non-essential retail able to re-open much earlier than this, which would include our shop at RSPB Conwy, we highlighted our situation.

"Following this, we've now been given approval to bring this date forward to April 14, allowing us to open all of our facilities together on this date and save confusion for visitors.

"We are therefore delighted to be able to welcome you back to the reserve sooner."

For opening hours, visit RSPB North Wales on Facebook.

Hides will remain closed initially in line with government guidelines.