The recently opened Visitor Centre at College Lake is nearing completion; the outside landscaping is yet to be completed. The building and its interior is a very interesting structure, and very carefully placed to provide excellent views of this one-time Chalkpit. It stands such that for most of the day, the sun is behind, and is curved to ensure that only the evening rays fall on the far front where the restaurant area lies. The lake itself has beautiful landscaping, several islands and a splendid octagonal hide.
The Visitor Centre is topped with soil and grass, and is surrounded by baskets of varied vegetation. Once I had entered I was very impressed with what has been done to the interior. The staff were very welcoming and I asked whether anyone objected to my taking photographs of the interior; permission was readily given. There was a superb exhibition of large photos of wildlife and many explanatory boards especially aimed at informing children and adults alike. I had initially thought I might have to come back at another time because I did not have a wideangle lens, but after I had sat down with a cup of tea, I realised I did have a zoom with a moderate wideangle so popped this on and took a few shots.
After my tea I tried in vain to capture some of the swallows and then went back to my shorter zoom and took some exterior shots and some details. It is obvious that the architects for this project have put a lot of thought into what has been built and how the outside area will be finished. I do hope this whole site is a success, my only concern is the size of the car parking area which was almost full, and the entrance, as it is onto a narrow and busy highway.
It is well worth a visit.
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