“It’s not just a place for walking dogs, or a nature reserve,” says John. “If we’re smart it could become a place to help us all to think carefully about our relationship with the environment, at many different levels including the diversity of species there, climate change, the scarcity of water and so on.” Key to this is a sizeable centre built to educate visitors about the aims and objectives of the initiative, and to facilitate the storage of local ecological data. “We have to build a smart shed, basically,” says John. Provisional plans for the building have been drawn up - a two-floored hexagonal structures, raised on stilts with a ‘hands-on outdoors area’ on the ground floor. “The upper storey will contain some hi-tech wireless equipment on which people can add data to environmental observations they are making.” he says. “The building will help us to be involved in the process of encouraging sustainable development and doing our bit for to slow down climate change.” There will be minimum carbon emission in the building and day-to-day running of the centre, and the downstairs walls will allow water through in case of floods.

The building, projected at about 200 square metres in area, is likely to cost around £700,000 to build, although John believes this figure could come down if needs be. The Trust is looking for donations to help raise the cash - £150,000 has already been offered by Viridor Credits and £100,000 from the Mettyear Charitable Trust.

If you have anything you would like to donate to the auction, which will be conducted by Julian Dawson from Gorringes, please contact Anne Thomas on 01272 474744. Items can be collected.