Home / Environment / Nature Reserve Reopens After £2.1M Visitor Centre Upgrade
Nature Reserve Reopens After £2.1M Visitor Centre Upgrade
2 Mar
Summary
- A £2.1m refurbishment of the Harrison Visitor Centre is complete.
- Upgrades include disabled access, EV charging, and solar panels.
- The reserve is a haven for species like kingfishers and bats.
The Harrison Visitor Centre at Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve has reopened its doors after a significant £2.1 million refurbishment. This extensive upgrade by the Kent Wildlife Trust aims to transform the center into a vibrant community hub, enhancing public access to the natural environment.
Key improvements focus on accessibility and sustainability. Visitors will find additional disabled parking bays and adapted toilet facilities. The center has also incorporated modern amenities such as electric vehicle charging points and solar panels, reflecting a commitment to environmental responsibility.
Ben Dart, chief operating officer for the trust, expressed enthusiasm for the transformation, stating the goal is to open up nature to more people. The Sevenoaks reserve, a 73-hectare haven established by the Jeffery Harrison family from a former quarry, is renowned for its rich biodiversity. It supports over 2,000 recorded species, including kingfishers, grey herons, glow worms, and Daubenton's bats.
The reserve itself is a picturesque landscape featuring five lakes bordered by woodland, grassland, and reedbeds. The River Darent meanders through its northern section, providing a crucial habitat for fish and aquatic invertebrates. The reopening promises a revitalized experience for visitors seeking to connect with this important natural site.
