A new environmental education centre at Paxton Pits Nature Reserve officially opened in September 2010.
The classroom was funded by Natural England through Defra’s Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund, with match funding from Community and Local Government’s Housing Growth Fund, and is a project between Huntingdonshire District Council, the Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire and Peterborough, the Friends of Paxton Pits and Cambridgeshire Horizons.
Paxton Pits Nature Reserve was created at quarry workings, operated by Bardon Aggregates, in Cambridgeshire. Work on the reserve has been underway since the 1980s following sand and gravel extraction. Full restoration will see the reserve extend to 285 ha.
The Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire and Peterborough will run their Paxton Pits education programme from the new education centre and they will also be working with Huntingdonshire District Council to start up a Little Bugs Club for pre-school children, a Greenwatch group for 12 – 18 year olds as well as adult learning workshops and health walks.
Debbie Mckenzie, Huntingdonshire environmental education service manager for the Wildlife Trust said “We’re thrilled the classroom is officially open. This marks the beginning of our new educational and community programme. As well as providing a classroom it will be a great base for staff too.”
Councillor Colin Hyams, Huntingdonshire District Council’s executive councillor for operational and countryside services said: “This new environmental education centre is a great example of partnership working, and will provide much improved facilities for schools and wildlife groups. It provides the ideal base for children to learn about and enjoy the local wildlife that is abundant at Paxton Pits Nature Reserve.”
Aggregate Industries is delighted to be a huge part of the ongoing conservation work at Paxton Pits, working closely with the local community in helping to make the natural world accessible for all.
Pictured cutting the ribbon are Brian Eversham, Chief Executive of the Wildlife Trust and Councillor Jeff Dutton, Chairman of Huntingdonshire District Council. Credit: The Wildlife Trust BCNP
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