A nature reserve is laying the groundwork for a new discovery trail after securing a £12,000 grant from Tesco.

The British Trust for Ornithology is building the trail, complete with maps and information panels, at its Nunnery Lakes reserve in Thetford.

The donation came from Tesco's Bags of Help campaign, which saw grants of £12,000, £10,000 and £8,000 – all raised from the 5p plastic bag levy – awarded to environmental projects which were voted for by customers.

The project will provide map signs and panels to guide visitors around the lakes, together with a pocket guide and equipment for learning events. The reserve, between the Rivers Thet and Little Ouse, is maintained by the BTO and the Friends of the Reserve.

Bonita Johnston, of the BTO, said: 'We are really grateful to Tesco for choosing our project – and to all the people who voted for us. Winning the top award of £12,000 means we can complete the project in one go. This is a fantastic result which will help local communities learn all about and enjoy the Nunnery Lakes reserve.

'We hope some of our new visitors will become Friends of the Reserve and help us to look after this special place for future generations.'

Over 4,500 groups across the UK applied for grants from the Bags of Help scheme, with three winners chosen in each of Tesco's 390 regions.

Caroline Silke, head of community at Tesco, said: 'Bags of Help has been a fantastic success. We have been overwhelmed by the response of our customers and the feedback has been brilliant.

'This is the really exciting part – seeing the projects coming to life thanks to the funding and we can't wait to follow the projects right through to the end.'

Has your charity or organisation received a donation? Email bethany.whymark@archant.co.uk.