As part of our commitment to the communities in which we work, our power plant sites include nature reserves and other education centres for the use of local schools and other interested groups.
West Burton power station
West Burton firmly believes in celebrating the cultural background and natural beauty of its surrounding area. It has a Discovery Centre offering free environmental education to local schools and other interested groups. Half- or full-day sessions are facilitated by the Discovery Centre manager. The building has wheelchair access and facilities, with plans for future development outdoors.
There's a discovery trail based in the Centre's grounds, and a stretch of the River Trent that's home to kingfishers and cormorants. There are also reed beds, which harbour reed buntings, sedge and willow warblers, sparrowhawks and long-eared owls.
Cottam power station
As part of Cottam's commitment to education and environment, we've developed our ash lagoons into a nature reserve, in partnership with the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust. These are now a haven for over 180 bird species and other wildlife, making Cottam the fifth most important wildfowl site in Nottinghamshire.
The Cottam education centre has fully equipped classrooms available for a wide range of activities and groups. The year-round facilities are free and interlink with guided tours around the 620-acre site. We have two hides for bird watching by open stretches of water, or near the classrooms, where there are special feeding centres. Our experienced Rangers help teach environmental subjects.