Oliver on Friday visited the Fishers Field Nature Reserve in Bushey for tea, cakes and a tour of the reserve.

Oliver was invited by the Friends of Fishers Field, the voluntary residents’ group who run and maintain the reserve.

Speaking after the visit, Oliver said: ‘It was lovely to visit Fishers Field. This is a hidden gem in the village and one of its best kept secrets.

‘It was fantastic to see the wonderfully vibrant natural environment that’s been created by the hard work of everyone who gives up their time to maintain the reserve.

‘I’m grateful for the warm hospitality I was shown, including some delicious tea and cakes.’

Fishers Field was formerly a dis-used allotment site. In 1994 residents lobbied for this land to be turned over to a public open space and Fishers Field was created. In 2017, a new public open space opened next door with a children’s play area, fitness equipment, seating area, King George V culvert and wildflower meadows.

Oliver added: ‘Protecting our area’s precious natural environment is important to me. Projects such as this are an indispensable way of doing so and I urge everyone who values it to get involved with the Friends of Fishers Field.’