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The Environmental Resource Centre (ERC) was
officially opened by Iolo Williams and Jane Davidson AM on 21st May
2010 and is the first building to be completed as part of the
redevelopment of the former steelworks site in Ebbw Vale. The centre
is located on an ecologically rich site next to the Pumphouse
cooling ponds, which have become a haven for wildlife since the
closure of the steelworks.
As a result, there is already a wealth of wildlife
for visitors to discover, such as newts, dragonflies and
damselflies, orchids and a resident moorhen (quite elusive). GWT
will be running workshops for schools and other learning providers,
as well as an annual programme of events, courses and seminars on a
range of subjects and issues relating to wildlife and the
environment.
Learning programme for schools and community groups
One of our aims is to help people get closer to
nature. There’s no better way to learn about wildlife and the
environment than by experiencing it directly. Throughout the year,
the centre will provide a base for an exciting range of events,
talks, workshops and activities for people of all ages. During term
time we will be offering a programme of learning for schools based
on increasing understanding of the natural world and raising
awareness of sustainable living. We offer workshops for pupils from
Foundation phase through to KS4 and are currently developing
programmes for SEN / AEN pupils.
Workshops include ‘The Hungry Caterpillar’,
‘Woodland Studies’, ‘Recycling in Nature’, ‘Habitat Studies’,
‘Cerridwens Cauldron’ and ‘The Kind Ladybird’. For KS3 & 4 we can
also offer ‘Climate Change’, ‘Wildlife and Jobs’, ‘Sustainable
Living’ and ‘Wildlife and Growing Food’. The new centre will offer
opportunities to see first hand aspects of sustainable lifestyles,
such as renewable energy, rainwater collection and use of local
materials.
For school staff, we offer a range of INSET
courses that help develop ideas and resources for getting outside
(or staying inside) and using the natural environment to bring the
curriculum to life.
Contact
For more information or to make a booking: contact Veronika Brannovic
Email
vbrannovic@gwentwildlife.org
Address: ERC, Steelworks Road, Ebbw Vale,
Blaenau Gwent Grid Reference:
SO173087
Telephone: 01495 307525
Travel to the Centre
Rail: There are currently hourly trains
from Cardiff Central to Ebbw Vale, a journey of around 45 minutes.
There is then a 10 minute walk from the station along Steelworks
Road or we may be able to arrange a lift from the station.
Bus: Stagecoach run a regular service -
number 22 (Ebbw Vale – Newport) along Steelworks Road and there is a
stop very close to the centre.
Road: Ebbw Vale is easily accessed from the
A465 Heads of the Valleys road. Take the junction for Ebbw Vale onto
the A4046. You will pass the college on your right. At the next
roundabout take the first left, signposted The Works and at the next
roundabout take the second left onto Steelworks Road (B4486). You
will pass the General Offices on your right. Continue to the village
of Tyllwyn and you will see the ERC on your right. The turning for
the car park is just past the building.
From Pontypool / Newbridge, follow the A467 to Aberbeeg. At the roundabout take the first left towards Cwm (A4046
signposted Ebbw Vale). At the next roundabout take the second left.
In Waunlwyd, turn right before the Park Hotel onto Steelworks Road
(B4486). Follow this road to Tyllwyn. You will see the turning for
the building on your left.
You can view a map showing
the location of the building on Google Maps
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