The official turf cutting for Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s new Simon Aspinall Wildlife Education Centre took place on Friday 16 May at 3.30pm at
Cley Marshes.
The new education centre will sit behind the current visitor centre at the world famous nature reserve. It will be a multifunctional building that can be divided into two rooms, giving flexibility for general visitors and for community groups, classes, workshops and exhibitions. A striking feature will be a 90m2 observation deck, with breath-taking views of the marshes, while a revamped courtyard will link the new building with the viewing deck and the visitor centre.
“Taster” and special interest events will compliment a new education programme for schools and young people, including ‘wildlife filmmakers for the future’ and ‘careers in conservation’. Events will cater for all ages and abilities and cover areas such as birds, wildlife, arts, conservation, sustainability, history and landscape. NWT hopes to inspire current and future generations of conservationists on the importance of this area for wildlife.
The centre is to be named in memory of local naturalist, Simon Aspinall (1958- 2011), in recognition of his contribution to ornithology and nature conservation, both in the UK and in the UAE. His parents, Jack and Sylvia Aspinall will cut the turf with Simon’s spade to mark the official beginning of the build.
Simon’s father, Jack Aspinall said: “Simon’s love of the whole natural world, his dedication to conservation of wildlife and wild landscapes, and his generosity in sharing experiences, ideas and knowledge about wildlife are recognised and reflected in Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s plans for the new centre.”
Chief Executive of Norfolk Wildlife Trust, Brendan Joyce said: “We are extremely grateful to the Aspinall family for their support and we will be dedicating the centre to Simon’s memory. The education centre at Cley will welcome our day to day visitors, Norfolk school and community groups and local businesses, all of whom will then have the opportunity to engage with Cley’s coastal and marine habitats and species.”
The Simon Aspinall Wildlife Education Centre is central to
NWT’s vision for Cley Marshes, which also includes the purchase and restoration of vital new land and the development of an events programme. NWT has been fundraising since July 2012 and recently met its £2.6million target, thanks to a Heritage Grant of £1.5million from the Heritage Lottery Fund and more than £900,000 donated by members of NWT, the general public, businesses and charitable trusts. This includes donations of £100,000 each from the Geoffrey Watling Charity and the Otter Trust.
Brendan Joyce continued: “I am delighted to announce that an incredible £2.6million has been raised to fund the project with much of it coming from our members and the general public. There is no doubt that this is an historic achievement, the most successful appeal in our history, and I am truly moved at what we are now able to deliver for the conservation, enjoyment and understanding of Norfolk’s wildlife.
“The delivery of this project has begun and I look forward to updating you on its progress. In the meantime, as we are now the proud owners of Pope’s Marsh and starting to build the Simon Aspinall Wildlife Education Centre, I would like to thank everyone for the incredible support.”
Phillip Venning, Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) Committee Member said: “This project is fantastic for wildlife and visitors alike. The marshes already have an international reputation and this will be strengthened by the work that will now take place, ensuring that even more visitors can enjoy the beauty of the area.”
Construction will start in early June and it is expected that the building works will be finished by spring 2015.