The site was was previously home to 4 victorian reservoirs which over time came into disrepair. Thames Water, Wildfowl Wetland Trust and Berkeley Homes worked in partnership sercuring £11million investment for the development project.
The site was designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1974, because of rare species which came to dwell in the reservoirs. The design is very conscious of recycling, materials were used from the previous reservoir in the remediation and construction of the site. Concrete from the reservoirs was broken up and used as sub-base for paths and the carpark. Only 50% of the planting was sourced off site the further 50% were made up from natural plant colonisation.
Some of the major characteristics of the centre are focused toward schools and young children, learning in a fun stimulating environment, which promotes sustainability through understanding. The site needs alot of maintainance constantly but is in good order. This is a worth while site to visit just to get some idea of how to design to educate while helping to conserve and sustain the landscape at the same time.
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