Stephen Metcalfe, local MP
for South Basildon and East Thurrock, joined legendary broadcaster Sir David
Attenborough at the opening of the Thameside Nature Park on Saturday.
The former landfill site has
been transformed into a beautiful and innovative nature reserve and visitor
centre with superb views over the flats and Thames Estuary. The 120 acre
wildlife site lies on 50 years of waster from six London Boroughs making the
transformation into grasslands, woodland, ponds and reedbeds quite remarkable.
Mr Metcalfe commented:
“Despite the weather, it was fantastic to be at the opening of this incredible
site and to be in the esteemed company of Sir David Attenbourgh. The
transformation really is incredible and it is something that Essex Wildlife
Trust should be extremely proud of.”
“It is not only an
achievement in terms of nature but also for science and engineering. The
methane gas created by the waste from the landfill is being siphoned off
underground to be used for energy and the visitor centre comes complete with
hydraulic jacks to cope with settlement of the rubbish below.”
The site has become a haven
for bees, thousands of birds, and reptiles and has attracted rare and
threatened species including the skylark, adders, the shill carder bee, and
water voles. There are also cycle paths and walkways enabling visitors to
see all that the reserve has to offer.
Mr Metcalfe added: “Sir David
Attenborough was right when he said This is a great new chapter in the history
of this part of the Thames Estuary. I would encourage all of my constituents to
get out and enjoy this great place and I look forward to seeing it grow and
develop in the future.”
