The Essex Wildlife Trust has built a bike shed in one of its nature reserves - and every part of it is environmentally friendly.

Eco shed - Melanie Lengden outside the new building. Picture: TERENCE BUNCH DACMP2

The wood to build the shed in Lower Dunton Road, Langdon Hills, was from a sustained forest, the paints are environmentally sound and the roof is alive - it is made of Sedun, a plant which is constantly growing and even flowers.

It cost £4,000 to build, but was paid for by the Heritage Lotto Fund. The trust hopes people will be more keen to travel to the visitor centre and Plotlands Museum by bike now.

Education officer Karen McKay said: "There is no public transport to the reserve, so most people drive in.

"We hope that giving people somewhere safe and secure to store their bikes will make them consider travelling that way.

"The bike shed was made by The Grass Roof Company based in Horndon and really is fascinating. I'm sure people will be interested in seeing it."

Published Tuesday August 27, 2002

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