CELEBRITY wildlife presenter and naturalist Chris Packham officially opened a £3.5m visitor centre at Welney. Mr Packham was joined by a host of dignitaries and officials for last Wednesday s event at the Wildfowl and Wetland s Trust s (WWT) reserve. The

CELEBRITY wildlife presenter and naturalist Chris Packham officially opened a £3.5m visitor centre at Welney.

Mr Packham was joined by a host of dignitaries and officials for last Wednesday's event at the Wildfowl and Wetland's Trust's (WWT) reserve.

The centre, which opened to the public earlier in the year, has a range of hi-tech green facilities along with a restaurant, shop, community room and footbridge and purpose-built education centre.

Mr Packham, a long-time supporter and friend of WWT, unveiled a commemorative plaque.

He said: "It is exciting that such a substantial sum has been raised for this important project.

"I've been coming to the WWT Welney for years and it is an amazing place.

"The new ecologically-built building highlights the importance of managing activities and natural resources sustainably, and further underlines WWT's valuable conservation work."

The centre took 10 months to build using some of the latest environmentally-friendly techniques, energy-saving technology and renewable materials.

Martin Spray, chief executive of WWT, said: "Welney provides one of the most beautiful and aspiring wildlife spectacles in the UK.

"This amazing new centre will enable WWT to welcome more visitors to enjoy the experience and to learn about the history of the fens and their wonderful wildlife."

Photo: BRIAN PURDY