An art gallery set up at a nature reserve to celebrate Oxfordshire in the new Millennium closes on Sunday (August 13).

The Green Gallery, at a nature reserve next to Garden Cottage, Elsfield, has had more than 1,000 visitors since it was opened three months ago.

Exhibits contributed by 13 artists from across the country, including five from Oxfordshire, mark the theme of conservation and the natural environment.

But Sunday will be the last chance for nature lovers to view the show as planning constraints mean the gallery must close.

The gallery cost 20,000 to set up and was always intended to be temporary.

Co-ordinator Jon Bowen, said: "We're sad to be closing. We've had such a good response from our visitors.

"The best thing about the exhibition for me has been the number of children who have come here and really enjoyed themselves.

This is such an inspiration for them compared to the dusty museums and white-walled galleries."

The nature reserve was donated to the people of Oxfordshire by zoologist Miriam Rothschild, a pioneer of conservation in Britain.

Cash raised by the gallery, which was set up by a community organisation, the Ten Acre Trust, will fund future outdoor exhibitions.

But Mr Bowen said such events would not be held in Elsfield to limit the impact of constant visitors to nearby wildlife.

The Green Gallery opens from 10am to 12.30pm.