Pioneering green technology will make a proposed £400,000 conservation centre outside Wickford, Essex, a beacon of hope for the future of the environment, a local wildlife charity has claimed.

As well as offering visitors the chance to watch wildlife and learn about conservation issues, The Essex Wildlife Trust is determined that its new centre at the Hanningfield Reservoir Nature Reserve will boast the very latest in environmentally-friendly gadgetry.

Among the innovations planned are rainwater collection systems for washing and cleaning; a reed built filter to naturally recycle used water; composting toilets using natural digestion to break down waste; cavity wall insulation using recycled newsprint; and solar-powered outside lighting.

The Trust's development manager Graham Game said: "We have already consumed a staggering third of the Earth's natural resources in the last 30 years, so it is vital that any future development is as sustainable as it can be.

"We intend to use this new centre as a beacon to show visitors not just the fantastic nature reserve at Hanningfield, but also how they can reduce their impact on the environment."

Up to 50,000 people a year are expected to visit the centre when it is built, to watch the reservoir's nationally important populations of shovellers, coots, tufted ducks, great crested grebes, cormorants and gadwalls from the comfort of the new observation galleries.

The Trust received a £316,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund towards the cost of building the centre, but it has to raise the remaining £68,000 by the end of November if work is to begin on time.

If you would like to donate to the appeal, call Essex Wildlife Trust on 01206 729678 or e-mail for details .

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