North Cave Wetlands

GFB Build Spectacular View for New Bird Reserve! Working closely with nature reserve staff, local community volunteers and visitors is one of GFB’s primary aims for every project. This inclusive strategy delivers benefits for wildlife and community enterprise. Tony Martin is the Nature Reserve Officer for Yorkshire Wildlife Trust (YWT) at North Cave Wetlands where GFB were contracted to build a visitor viewing platform in 2015. Tony takes up the story about the reserve and GFB: "North Cave Wetlands is a true example of a 21st century nature reserve, developed in the footprint of a large sand and gravel quarry. The reserve is still expanding as extraction continues westwards and as the reserve grows so do the visitor numbers. In 2015 we have had Avocets nesting and two pairs of Mediterranean Gull. Our Sand Martin colony is now up to 300 pairs! "Visitor facilities are an important factor for the reserve and we currently have four bird hides, compost toilets and a mobile café. The café in particular has become very popular and YWT wanted to build on this asset by constructing a large sheltered seating arena where visitors could meet, gather information and socialise. "YWT and Green Future Building collated some different designs to fit these requirements but also provide a great view across the reserve with no disturbance to the wildlife. YWT worked in partnership with Green Future Building on the design, location and structural elements of the project, we decided on a large wooden open structure with a green roof, recycled plastic decking and picnic tables with disabled access and facilities. "Green Future Building worked tirelessly on the construction during at times difficult conditions and all works were completed on time, due to the strong working partnership between YWT and GFB. This project has gone so well we are now developing new projects on the reserve including viewing screens, tern rafts and water control systems. It has been a pleasure to work with GFB on this project and we look forward to working with them in the future years as the reserve continues to expand." Tony Martin 2015