IELTS Listening Part 2: A Radio Talk on a New Nature Reserve

Part Two. You will hear a local radio presenter talking to a ranger about a new nature reserve.

First, you have some time to look at questions eleven to fifteen.

Now listen carefully and answer questions eleven to fifteen.

Good morning, and welcome back to Countryside Hour!

With me today is Helen Price, head ranger at Marsh End Nature Reserve.

Thanks for having me. I'm so excited to talk about it!

So, Helen, what was the site before it became a reserve?

Believe it or not, it was a gravel quarry for thirty years!

When the digging stopped, the pits slowly filled with water.

Now we've got over 200 kinds of birds!

And if I visit, where should I start?

Well, you park in the car park off Mill Lane.

The visitor centre is right next to it, on your left.

From there, a path goes north along the biggest lake.

At the far end, there's the bird hide. It's my favourite spot!

Ha, what about people like me who hate long walks?

Oh, then try the woodland trail. It's only a mile long.

But I'm afraid it's closed in March, during nesting season.

Before you hear the rest of the interview, you have some time to look at questions sixteen to twenty.

Now listen and answer questions sixteen to twenty.

Now, what about opening times?

The reserve itself is open every day from dawn till dusk.

The visitor centre opens at 9 and closes at 5.

And is it free to get in?

Yes, completely free, though parking costs £3 a day.

So, tell us about the activities you run.

Every Sunday morning, there's a guided bird walk at eight.

Um, you do need to book, though. We only take twelve people.

And in August, children can go pond dipping. They love it!

And finally, how can listeners get involved?

We're always looking for volunteers to help repair the paths.

Honestly, it's hard work, but the views make it worth it!

Wonderful. Helen Price, thank you so much!

That is the end of Part Two.