Seymour’s Pond Nature Reserve has been officially adopted by Deloitte, ensuring that the Southampton reserve will be well maintained.

The 2.84-acre reserve, in the Barnes Corner area, is owned by the Bermuda Audubon Society, but is open to the public with a walking trail and a bird hide.

Andrew Dobson, Bermuda Audubon Society president, said the group was grateful for the sponsorship, which would ensure the reserve remained a “vital oasis” for both wildlife and the public.

“People will be able to enjoy a relaxing walk around the reserve, have a seat in the bird hide to enjoy watching for herons, ducks and egrets and get away from the busy, built-up world for a little while to ‘recharge’,” he said.

“The Audubon Society owns over 60 acres of open space and as a wholly volunteer organisation we do not have the manpower or resources to maintain that land on our own.

“We rely on the help and support of individuals and companies such as Deloitte to ensure that our nature reserves can best be enjoyed by the public.”

John Johnston, chief executive officer of Deloitte Caribbean and Bermuda, said: “More and more, research is confirming that healthy communities and healthy businesses go hand in hand, and that’s certainly something that Deloitte espouses. We care about making an impact that matters — not just by providing consistent, world-class service to our clients, but also by making a positive contribution to our community.”

Seymour’s Pond is considered a feeding ground for a range of migratory waterfowl, including geese, herons and egrets, while species such as moorhens, coots and green herons have been known to breed in the reserve.

The pond was restored and enlarged in 2011, while a circular walking trail with signage was cut last year. The sponsorship will allow the trail to be maintained by a professional landscaping company.

To mark the occasion, Mr Johnston and Governor George Fergusson planted a tree on the reserve yesterday.