Sir David Attenborough opens Rutland Water volunteer centre

Sir David Attenborough has opened a £1.1m volunteer training centre at Rutland Water Nature Reserve.

The nature reserve, managed by Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust, has seen the first ospreys to breed in England for 150 years.

Sir David said he had a great affection for Rutland Water and Leicestershire as a whole, as it was where he grew up.

He said the building was "marvellous" and would help staff to preserve the area's rich biodiversity.

He added: "There is a huge movement this country to look after the countryside... [This centre] is a marvellous example of what can be done."

The training facility, which will support about 400 volunteers, has been built to minimise its environmental impact.

Simon Bentley, director of the trust, said: "Volunteers contribute an extraordinary 35,000 hours at Rutland Water each year and we hope that the new centre will serve as the hub of an active, supportive community."

He added it would support activities including building dry stone walls, hedge laying, bird ringing and wildlife recording.

The roof of the centre has also been designed to provide habitats for birds, bats and invertebrates.

Rutland Water recently topped a Countryfile Magazine list of the 15 best nature reserves in Britain.