RSPB needs more volunteers ahead of £400k visitor centre opening in Sandwell Valley

It is being built on the site of the old building , off Tanhouse Lane, in West Bromwich, which was damaged in an arson attack five years ago.

Work began in October last year and is expected to be completed by the summer when the centre will welcome its first visitors.

Now staff at the nature reserve are appealing for people to help man the centre, which looks out over Forge Mill Lake, and talk to visitors about the site.

RSPB spokesman Nadia Shaikh said: "The centre will be a place where visitors can find out about wildlife, families can take part in a whole host of activities and somewhere to unwind and enjoy the view with a cup of tea."

"But the most important missing piece is the friendly volunteer who will be there to help. We already have a great team of dedicated volunteers who help on the reserve, but with the new centre opening shortly we're coming up a bit short and need some extra hands."

Volunteers need to be able to spare a few hours a week but don't have to be a wildlife experts.

"We already have a team of over 90 friendly volunteers who help us with everything from answering phones to digging ponds to counting butterflies; so people are bound to make new friends too," added Ms Shaikh.

Staff are aiming to have the new centre completed by June, in time for an official opening in July.

It will boast an open plan multi-purpose area, volunteer room, an office and an outdoor wear store with toilet facilities.

The two-storey modern-looking building will also have a porch and terrace area and the centre will not only be used by staff and visitors, but also volunteers and community groups.

Following the arson attack, a £100,000 temporary building was the main base at the reserve.

The reserve boasts hedgerows full of wildlife, where visitors can watch flocks of ducks, geese, swans and lapwings from the Lakeside Lookout, as well as take in views of the valley and Forge Mill Lake. The valley has large areas of woodland, meadows, pools and streams, as well as two working farms and a network of trails

For more information and a casual chat about the volunteer roles, call the nature reserve on 0121357 7395 or email nadia.shaikh@rspb.org.uk.