Brockholes was previously a major quarry extraction site. The land was bought by the Trust in January 2007, and the reserve opened to the public at Easter 2011.[1] It has been regenerated as a mosaic of key habitats such as pools, reedbeds and woodland. The reserve is aimed less at dedicated bird-watchers and nature lovers than the general public of the big cities.[2] The riverbank is covered in steaming ferns and rampant Himalayan balsam.[3]
Brockholes offers a wide range of events throughout the year and over 250 acres of trails and hides. It has already seen record numbers[citation needed] of breeding wading birds along with visitors such as osprey, otter and bittern.[citation needed]
Visitor Village
In July 2007 an architectural design competition managed by RIBA Competitions invited architects and architect-led multidisciplinary design teams to design the new visitor facilities for the Brockholes Wetland and Woodland Nature Reserve. A design by Adam Khan Architects, working with Price & Myers, was selected by the wildlife trust and its partners. Work commenced in 2009.[1][3][4]
Brockholes Visitor Village is the second floating visitor centre in the UK, after Norfolk Wildlife Trust's Broads Wildlife Centre which was opened by Her Majesty The Queen in 1976.[5] It houses shops, an exhibition area, an activity room for schools and community groups, a restaurant and a conference centre. It has won national recognition, receiving: