Press Release

THE CROWN ESTATE FUNDS NEW VISITOR FACILITIES AT CONWY NATURE RESERVE

20 October 2006

Today sees the official opening of new visitor facilities at Conwy Nature Reserve in Conwy, which is situated on the banks of the Conwy estuary, with stunning views of Snowdonia and Conwy Castle.

The brand new visitor facilities include a new building with space for educational activities and family events, as well as the transformation of the existing building into the Waterside Café. The café will have beautiful views across the reserve and will stock a range of food and drinks including organic and fairtrade produce.

Funding for the new visitor facilities has come from The Crown Estate’s Marine Stewardship Programme. The Crown Estate established the Marine Stewardship Programme to provide funding to support practical projects, relevant research, and other initiatives that improve the status and management of the marine estate.

Rob Hastings, Director of the Marine Estate at The Crown Estate, said: “We are delighted that The Crown Estate’s Marine Stewardship Programme has been able to help fund this excellent nature reserve at Conwy and continue our association with this area of north Wales. The creation of these new visitor facilities will allow many more people to enjoy the beautiful bird and wildlife in this area.”

With around 55% of the foreshore, approximately half of all estuary beds and tidal rivers and the seabed out to the 12 mile territorial limit, the marine estate is the largest and most diverse within The Crown Estate. The organisation is committed to sustainable and long-term management of these unique assets.

Although The Crown Estate have helped fund the construction of these new facilities, its involvement in the area goes back much further. The site was originally developed from the spoil from the construction of the Conwy Tunnel which The Crown Estate was integrally involved in. There was a large quantity of excavated silt to be disposed of and this was pumped onto the mud and marsh to the north of the embankment across the estuary. This created the land which now forms the site of the reserve.

Alan Davies, RSPB Conwy Centre Manager said: “We cannot wait to officially open the new and improved facilities. They are a permanent tribute to the hard work of all the staff, volunteers, funding organisations and supporters that have made a contribution.”

Please follow the link for more information on The Crown Estate Marine Stewardship Programme.