After two years of “sweat and hard work” HSBC Bermuda will this weekend open another acre of Cooper's Island Nature Reserve to the public.Bank CEO Phil Butterfield spoke today on what he called the opening of an “absolutely outstanding piece of property for Bermudians and visitors to come and enjoy”.HSBC Bermuda, Ministry of Environment and Department of Conservation Services joined forces in 2009 to restore the reserve, in honour of the Island's 400th anniversary.Since then, staff have volunteered their time to planting endemic and removing invasive plants on the property.On Saturday the restored area will be accessible to the public and according to Mr Butterfield “will be a point of attraction for all Bermudians, their friends and visitors”.Acting Public Works Minister Zane DeSilva represented Government at the unveiling this morning.He said: “Today after an exciting partnership with HSBC Bermuda that has included much sweat and hard work, and hopefully minimal blood and tears.“For the first time in a generation this extraordinary piece of Bermuda will be open to the public and this is just the beginning. Over the next ten years the plan is to transform the Coopers Island nature reserve into Bermuda's largest eco destination and an essential extention to the living museum of the internationally recognised Nonsuch Island nature reserve.“It will attract locals and visitors who can experience Bermuda as they have never experienced and lose themselves in nature.”Over the past two years HSBC Bermuda has assisted in the demolition of four “robustly” constructed buildings, totalling approximately 32,000 sq ft.They helped to demolish several three story radar mounts and three ammunition bunkers dating back to the Second World War; they also dug 400 tree pits in preparation for planting of native and endemic plants.Along with Island Construction Ltd, the bank helped restore the beaches and causeway after Hurricane Igor caused significant storm surge damage.To view more pictures click on: http://www.royalgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/tngallery?Site=RG&Date=20110616&Category=NEWS&ArtNo=616009995&Ref=PH