Warrington Borough Council has revealed plans and illustrations of the new observation tower at Risley Moss.
The plans were first unveiled at the annual Green Safari event at the nature reserve on 30 June. The event was attended by more than 1,200 visitors. There was overwhelming support for the scheme as illustrated by schematic drawings, site and building design plans and a 3D model of the structure.
Now, the plans have been put on permanent display at the Risley Moss visitor centre – and can also be viewed on the council’s web site at warrington.gov.uk/risleymoss
The project – funded by FCC environment, Warrington Borough Council and donations from local people – will deliver a stunning new observation tower at Risley Moss. The previous tower, a 40-year-old wooden structure, popular with local people for observing wildlife, was destroyed in July 2017, following an arson attack.
Created at the edge of the mossland expanse, the new observation structure will replace the existing block-built hide. The structure will provide covered space for environmental education activities, while the elevated platform will be large enough to cater for a class of school children.
The area where the former tower stood will be redeveloped, with the steel brackets of the structure being transformed into seating, and the habitat improved.
Warrington Borough Council Leader, Cllr Russ Bowden, said: “The delivery of a new Risley Moss tower is really important for the local community, so I’m delighted that the project is progressing so well. With funding and a high quality design in place, it’s now all systems go.
“The new Risley Moss tower will be a huge asset to our much-loved nature reserve and will benefit local people for many years to come. The plans and illustrations we have now made available showcase the work we’ve been doing to create an attractive, accessible and robust structure. Make sure you take the opportunity to see these exciting plans for yourself.”
The majority of the project will be delivered before the end of March 2020, with finishing touches completed in advance of an opening in the spring of 2020. Once the new tower is completed, visitors will be able to enjoy improved views of the mossland expanse and rewetting works that have been completed over recent years to restore the bog habitat.
The mini moss access works – opened last year – will also provide opportunities for visitors to experience the mossland development at close quarters and observe some of plant and animal species that depend on this scarce habitat.
Cllr Tony Higgins, executive board member for leisure and community said: “We are grateful to the local community for their support and their patience, while these plans have been developed. We’ve made fantastic progress in recent months, and I’m really pleased that we are now in a position to show these plans to everyone.
“I’m confident that people who view the plans will share our excitement over the delivery of a fantastic new tower, which will give nature enthusiasts glorious views of this beautiful nature reserve and its varied wildlife.”
