PLANS to create a £1million visitor centre at an important wildlife site near Worcester have been revealed to chiefs and members of Malvern Hills District Council.
The authority’s leader Coun David Chambers, chief executive Jack Hegarty, development officer Simon Smith and Baldwin ward representative Coun Pam Cumming visited Wildgoose Rural Training in Holt Heath to learn more about its plans to safeguard its wildlife habitat.
During the visit of the Top Barn Farm site, the foursome found out how the National Lottery funded plans will help create a centre and educational space on the 42 acres of land of the former gravel quarry.
The land is also an area of ecological importance due to its range of wildlife.
A cash boost of £94,000 will enable Willdgoose to develop its project before applying for a full grant.
Mark Davies, chair of Wildgoose’s board of trustees, said: “Our VIP visitors were hugely impressed by our exciting plans for the future.
“It was a great opportunity for us to show them this very special place deserves the best possible future for the people whose lives it has already changed as well as the people whose lives it will change in the future.”
The new reserve will become a centre for learning and support, particularly for adults with additional needs and children excluded, or at risk of exclusion, from school.
There will be free public access to the wetland with interactive activities to educate and engage visitors.
Themes will include the habitat, local agricultural and industrial history, and traditional skills, while celebrating the students who will learn and work there.
There are further plans to establish a Worcestershire heritage orchard, create a unique interactive wildlife experience for the community and take visitors on a journey through the natural history of the county.
