Our visitor centre has been badly damaged by a recent fire. It started in the early hours of Saturday 27 March and spread from the outside to the main building. Half the roof has been destroyed and there's substantial damage to the large classroom area, storage facility and kitchen.
We don't yet know what happened, though arson is suspected but unconfirmed. An investigation is underway.
It's gutting for the staff - we were just weeks from re-opening the reserve after undertaking a major revamp to provide an even better experience for visitors and local schoolchildren.
We're obviously very sad and upset about the damage. The nature centre is a well-used and valued local resource which is loved by many local people, including our volunteers and visitors.
The priority for us right now is to look for ways that we can continue our activities on the site including how we can deliver our field teaching scheme for primary school children and provide a quality experiences for the rest of our visitors.
The centre will be closed for the foreseeable future; the car park is also closed but the reserve is open to pedestrians. Cars can be parked on the road just outside the reserve.
The hide is also closed though we're working to re-open it as soon as possible.
See you on the reserves,
Best regards,
Chris Edwards