The visitor centre at the RSPB’s Sandwell Valley nature reserve near Birmingham has been badly damaged by a recent fire.
The fire started in the early hours of Saturday morning and spread from the outside to the main building where half the roof has been destroyed and substantial damage caused to a large classroom area, storage facility and kitchen.
The cause is yet unknown although arson is suspected but unconfirmed. An investigation is underway.
This comes as a blow to the staff and volunteers on the site who were just weeks from re-opening the reserve after undertaking a major revamp to provide an even better experience for visitors and local school children. The improvements include a new wildlife garden, seating areas, an extension to the car park, a new volunteers’ workshop and a cycle shelter.
“We are obviously very sad and upset about the great deal of damage that has happened here. The nature centre is a well used and valued local resource which is loved by many local people, including our volunteers and visitors”, said Lee Copplestone, Site Manager at RSPB Sandwell Valley.
“The priority for us right now is to look for ways that we can continue our activities on the site including how we can deliver our field teaching scheme for primary school children and provide a quality experiences for the rest of our visitors.”
Lee continued: “Although this is a very challenging time for us, our spirits have been lifted by the huge support shown by our volunteers and people from the local community. We want to thank everybody for their supportive messages and help.”
The damage to the visitor centre is so severe that it will be closed for the foreseeable future. The car park is also closed but the reserve is open to pedestrians. Parking is available on the road just outside the reserve.
The lakeside wildlife hide is also closed although the RSPB is working to re-open it as soon as possible.
Lee said: “The reserve remains a great place for people and wildlife. With spring underway, birds are busily setting up territories and starting to nest so there’s lots of see. We are determined to reopen as soon as possible and make the visitor centre even better for our visitors.”