AN exciting new educational facility is being created at Crown Farm Quarry in Cheshire.

The Crown Farm Discovery Centre, run by Cheshire Wildlife Trust near Delamere, will hold education sessions for local school children to encourage them learn about nature and how they can play their part in preserving it for the future.

The groups will be able to get up close and personal with nature as they explore the restored area of the quarry, operated by Tarmac, which has been turned in to a nature reserve.

Steven Williams, quarry manager at Tarmac said: “We are very excited to be opening the discovery centre on the site as a way to encourage children to learn more about wildlife and quarrying, what it involves, why we do it and what can be achieved as a result of it.

“We have been working with the Cheshire Wildlife Trust for a number of years now on the restoration of the site, so it’s great to be able to work with them on this project and give something back to the community.”

The discovery centre has both an indoor and outdoor class room, and has been specially designed to help children get the most out of their visit.

During a trip to the centre children will be able to take part in various outside activities including habitat studies such as pond dipping, mini beast hunting, identifying wild flowers and trees, plus Forest School type activities.

Robyn Moseley, wild communities officer with Cheshire Wildlife Trust, said: “Having the opportunity to teach young people about nature and the importance of wildlife in our wonderful new nature reserve is fantastic. It’s been great to be able to work with Tarmac on this project and we can’t wait to get started!”

The Discovery Centre was officially opened on Thursday, with the first school visit taking place on June 21.