By James Bonthron
Monkton Nature Reserve has officially opened its new environmental education dome.
The event on August 5 was well attended, with a burgeoning list of notable guests, including Herne Bay and Sandwich (with West Thanet) MP Sir Roger Gale performing the ribbon cutting.
A number of companies and people of interest were invited, all of which were associated in some way with the new centre.
The public opening of the dome happened on 20 July, when the reserve’s sculpture trail was unveiled but this was the official launch of the new environmental hub.
The environmental centre is a practical space for educational purposes that supports the reserve’s aims of conservation and education.
In attendance were representatives from Cummins, RiverOak Strategic partners Ltd, Colyer-Gergusson Charitable Trust, Clearly Foundation, KCC, Thanet Earth, Albion Fencing and Construction, TDC, Minster Parish Council, Margate Rotary, IOTS Rotary, Thanet Rotary, ASDA, Quex and Visit Thanet.
The event included a short introduction by advisor Dr Clive Nuttman, who thanked attendees, as well as volunteers, and announced that trustees Les Shonk and Trevor Shonk, also a KCC councillor, were stepping back from their roles immediately though were continuing to volunteer at the reserve.
Sir Roger gave a short speech about the dome and efforts at Monkton Nature Reserve to educate young people. In particular, he thanked Dr Nuttman for his work transforming the reserve in recent years.
He said: “It’s going to be a great addition to the reserve and we really appreciate the massive help from funders. I’d like to give my thanks to Les and Trevor. They have done an amazing job. None of this would be possible without Clive’s amazing vision.”
TDC Councillor Joanne Bright said: “I’ve brought my kids here many many times and we absolutely love it here. It’s inspirational to see what can be done with wasteland. I think we need more havens like this. My hope is that [with the new dome] more people will be able to experience it and [it will] inspire people to respect nature more.”
Annie Begley, who has provided design input for the dome as well as other parts of the reserve such as the storage containers, said: “I created an artists’ impression before it was created. I think it’s wonderful.”
The grant ambassador for the Colyer-Gergusson Charitable Trust, Stephen Fenning, added: “We’re really looking forward to seeing how the new space will bring in more of the community. We have an interest in communities and supporting the most vulnerable.”
Kevin Martin, ASDA Broadstairs manager, said: “The dome looks really modern, just great. I’m really glad our money went into something beneficial.”
Community Champion for the store, Tracey Ballard, added: “It’s absolutely amazing.”
David Hannent, of the Cleary Foundation, said: “I think it’s fantastic, but more important is working with young people because there’s nowhere [else] they can go.”
Graham Darby, of Albion Fencing and Construction, who helped to build the foundations, said: “It’s absolutely fantastic. We’ve been working closely with the reserve for a few years. I think I will be back to do more work.”
Peter Horton, of Cummins, said: “We have a long history of supporting communities. We donate money and, more importantly, volunteers’ time.
“Anything that raises interest [in the reserve] I love and the dome can bring future opportunities. The idea of repurposing [the old building] really is important.”
Miles Emery, also of Cummins, said: “It’s a starting point. The next challenge will be how we encourage use and that’s exciting.”
Cllr Trevor Shonk, said: “The whole reserve is here for people’s wellbeing. We welcome anything that will bring interest to the reserve.”
Volunteer Les Shonk said: “To see the idea come to fruition is incredible.”
Monkton Nature Reserve is a 16-acre former abandoned quarry on the outskirts of Ramsgate and boasts over 350 species of flowering plant, including the nationally scarce Man Orchid.
For more information visit: www.monkton-reserve.org