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| Simon King - chief guest at the opening |
THE controversial new Spurn visitor centre is now open.
The project sparked huge ill-feeling and aggro last year over fears that it would steal habitat and commercialise a site, long cherished for its wildness.
But Yorkshire Wildlife Trust decided the benefits would outweigh the disbenefits and pressed ahead.
Wildlife broadcaster and photographer Simon King did the opening honours on March 20 "to mark the completion of the new visitor gateway to Spurn National Nature Reserve".
Says the YWT: "The centre offers fantastic views of the reserve and estuary with excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
"The facility includes a café, a dedicated education space for school groups and displays offering an insight into Spurn’s rich heritage and the variety of wildlife and habitats to be found in the reserve."
Addressing the audience at the launch, Simon King said: “I am honoured to have been asked to take part in the official opening of the Spurn Discovery Centre.
"Having a resource like this in such a magnificent wildlife hotspot will serve to help engage a far broader cross-section of visiting public than has been seen to date.
"Only by forging a connection between ourselves and the wild world can we hope to foster a respect for and recognition of the true value of the very resources upon which our own survival ultimately depends.”
Funding for the new build has been provided by energy supplier E.on (through its Humber Gateway Offshore Wind Farm Community Fund) and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government through the Coastal Communities Fund.
Spurn is a site for all seasons, but highlights include the spectacle in spring and autumn of bird migration.
Due to the exposed and recognisable coastal location, visible migration can be often be seen in action as birds head south along the peninsula, on some days you may see ‘falls’ of birds measured in their thousands.
Latest sightings (for Easter Sunday) include firsts for spring of ring ouzel and swallow.
A long-eared owl was showing by Rose Cottage as was a little stint on Long Bank.
Two tawny owls have been present, in recent weeks, prompting hopes they may stay to breed.
For full information about visiting Spurn, including Spurn Lighthouse opening hours, Spurn Safaris, bike hire and more, click : www.ywt.org.uk/spurn-national-nature-reserve.
Note also the website for Spurn Bird Observatory: www.spurnbirdobservatory.co.uk
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