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An
environment for everyone
Formerly part of a Ministry of Defence airfield complex, the 116-acre
site
was purchased by Elementis Chromium in the early 1960's. It was
left largely
undisturbed until 1996 when a group of enthusiastic employees
saw the
potential to create a conservation area and asked the business for
financial
assistance. Officially opened in 1997 by Dr David Bellamy, it has
become an
area of natural significance and a valuable amenity welcoming visitors
from a
broad cross-section of the local community. With the help of Elementis
Chromium
and volunteer groups, an award-winning environmental location has
been created.
The nature of success
Today the site supports a surprising diversity of natural vegetation
as well as insect, animal and bird life.
Wildlife features include:
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the airfield's disused concrete water storage ponds provide
an ideal habitat for regionally important colonies of toads
and several varieties of newt, including the protected Great
Crested Newt |
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the site is home to the largest colony of stock doves in the
county and many other animal species |
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a tree nursery has been established by the British Trust for
Conservation Volunteers as part of a national initiative to
promote woodland planting |
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construction of a boardwalk to enable access to the wetland habitats |
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The
great outdoors
As well as providing access to a natural wildlife environment, the
site offers opportunities for people to participate in educational
field studies and practical conservation work.
The site has been developed to cater for visitors of all ages and
abilities:
regular users include:
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Experts and friendship members who carry out practical conservation work. |
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Local primary schools for educational field studies |
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The
Gateway Wheelers - people with mobility problems who enjoy riding
specially adapted bikes at the site |
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The
Young Ones - a mixed disability group whose members have been
learning important skills by building a 'Friendship Garden' |
Amenities and activities on the Site:
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the
field study centre houses a range of amenities including a fully-equipped
classroom, kitchen and toilet facilities |
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a
variety of organised activities are available including pond
dipping, discovery trails, earth walks and photo safaris |
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the Ecology Group also run nature classes for children, on the first Sunday of every month and regular events for the whole community. |
If
you want to know more about the Elementis Ecology Site, please contact
us online or at the address below.
Ecology Group
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