THE Buy Back Bermuda campaign has hit the jackpot with the acquisition of the Vesey Nature Reserve, a 7.5-acre property in Southampton.

The acquisition, the largest land grab to date for the campaign, was donated by Sharon Vesey and extends from the verges of Evans Pond in Southampton over the ridgeline of Skroggins Hill to the shoreline of the Little Sound.

It borders the Government-owned Evans Bay Nature Reserve and is adjacent to the railway trail.

The goal of the Buy Back Bermuda campaign, a joint initiative by the Bermuda Audubon Society and the Bermuda National Trust, is "to purchase and safeguard precious open space" in Bermuda.

According to Bermuda National Trust Director Jennifer Gray, the donation by Mrs. Vesey is believed to be "the third largest gift of land from an individual or family in Bermuda's history in terms of acreage".

"Thanks to the tremendous generosity of Sharon, a piece of Bermuda's natural heritage will be saved in perpetuity for the enjoyment of all," said Ms Gray.

"It is a challenge to secure prized open space in Bermuda but to have the means to restore these spaces, now that the land has been gifted, is an opportunity that adds great value for everyone. Sharon Vesey is a national hero."

Since the group didn't have to use up their coiffeurs to purchase the property, to be named the Vesey Nature Reserve, Ms Gray says they can utilise the funds to restore the area for use by the public.

"Now we are able to realise a larger vision for this property," she explained.

"This land is almost impenetrable now and will need restoration. With the funds we can control invasive species, make fitting habitats for wildlife, develop walking trails and resting spots and create interpretive signs for people to enjoy."

This is the second property acquisition for the campaign, the first being the purchase of Somerset Long Bay East Nature Reserve in 2006, which consisted of more than three acres of land. While the collaborative group hasn't yet set its sites on the next project, they have been inundated with calls from people to look into other properties around the island.

"Our movement is at the request of and support by the community," Ms Gray said. "Their enthusiasm keeps us going."

The momentum has come from all corners of the community ¿ Government, corporations, individuals and a group the campaigners have found surprising: children.

"The youth in Bermuda have come forward entirely on their own without any solicitation from us," she said.

"They have been holding trash-a-thon fundraisers and instead of gifts at birthday parties, they have been asking for donations to Buy Back Bermuda. It's very impressive. It gives me hope for the next generation."