Grundon Sand & Gravel has played an important role in the major redevelopment of the waterfront area at BBOWT’s Nature Discovery Centre in Thatcham, Berkshire, ensuring the stunning lakeside location is now easily accessible to all visitors.
The company donated Coxwell Self-Binding Path Gravel for the pathways, as well as giant boulders from a nearby quarry to add to the landscaping.
The official opening of the new area took place last month (May), when Councillor Jan Cover, Town Mayor of Thatcham 2018-19, officially cut the ribbon to declare the waterfront open to visitors.
Laura Pepper, Head of Development BBOWT (Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust), said: “This redevelopment has paved the way for the Nature Discovery Centre to be ever more accessible, transforming it into an area that is open and welcoming and allows all our visitors to spend time by the shore.
“We could not have carried out this work without generous help from our supporters, and BBOWT would particularly like to thank Grundon Sand & Gravel for their donations.”
Through the Landfill Communities Fund, sister company Grundon Waste Management provided £120,000 towards new shaded under-cover seating and a lakeside boardwalk, as well as wheelchair and buggy-friendly slopes to provide easy access to the shore.
Pete Moss, from Grundon Sand & Gravel, said: “As a long-time supporter of BBOWT, we know they do a great job both in helping conserve our precious countryside and encouraging as many people as possible get out and about to enjoy it.
“We were delighted to contribute to the transformation and can think of nowhere better than the stunning new verandah to sit and enjoy the beautiful scenery and watch the wildlife over the lake this summer.”
The Centre provides the perfect spot for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, with resident moorhens, coots and geese on the lake, as well as other residents, including tufted duck, pochard and shoveler.
Seasonal arrivals swifts and sand martins can be spotted feeding over the lake, while other visitors to the reedbed areas include warblers, kingfishers, dragonflies and damselflies; and the fortunate few may hear a bittern or cuckoo.
The wider area includes a stream, woodland, meadow, grassland and hedgerows, and is the perfect place to visit for families and those wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle of the modern world.
