Warwickshire Wildlife Trust was today celebrating the announcement of a double sponsorship deal to help it develop a new base.

The charity has received a pledge of £100,000 from commercial developers and house builders, Parkridge Developments as well as a £25,000 donation from business park development firm ProLogis.

Both companies, based in Solihull, have given the money to the new Environmental Centre in Brueton Park in the town. It will become the Trust's flagship base in the area, and will include:

• an education room to provide a classroom for school visits

• a tea room and shop with displays for people to find out about the environment

• office space to enable conservation and education staff to be based at the centre.

The centre will be open to the public daily - with no admission charge - to encourage more people to find out about the environment and what they can do to help.

Warwickshire Wildlife Trust chief executive Andy Tasker said:

"This magnificent double-donation of £125,000 means that our appeal target of £300,000 is now well within reach.

“In the coming months we will be encouraging other organisations, groups, and individuals, to come on board too, and so help to build the centre for the environment for everyone in Solihull and surrounding areas.

“The appeal fund is now over half way toward its goal, and our vision of the centre opening by early summer next year is becoming so much more achievable".

John Cutts, chairman of Parkridge and chief executive of ProLogis added:

"As companies who have grown up in Solihull, we are delighted to support this excellent facility. It will inform and educate local people about the environment in a practical, hands-on way."

The building itself will be constructed through a 'Design and Build' contract, to comply with or exceed all existing environmental building standards.

An 'eco-friendly' wooden structure is the favoured option, using timber from the site as well as from the Trust's own nature reserves.

The building will be designed to complement its attractive woodland setting whilst allowing future expansion if this becomes necessary.

The nature area will feature demonstrations of sustainable living, nature trails, a bird hide and a raised woodland walkway.

Outdoor displays will include recycling, composting, conservation in action and wildlife gardening.

It is hoped that building work will be able to start in the early new year, and work will start on the grounds improvements in the next few months.