Brockholes Nature Reserve, Preston

Valves from Crane Fluid Systems have been installed in the heating and air conditioning system of a new, floating visitors centre at Lancashire Wildlife Trust’s Brockholes Wetland and Woodland Reserve, situated near Preston. The visitor centre is due to be opened in Spring 2011.

Adam Khan Architects designed the unique structure, which will sit less than a foot off the water, to be made of light timber and to have minimal impact on the environment in which it sits. To avoid disturbance at the reserve, Crane FS valves were installed, into the single storey buildings, offsite. 

The construction has been built with sustainability in mind. It features low carbon technologies and smart water metering. Heating and hot water are generated using a biomass boiler fuelled by wood chips. Crane FS valves were chosen because of their weight and space saving as well as their long design life expectancy.

Andy Cook, Project Manager from Smith Group Ltd. said “This was an extremely interesting project from a green perspective. Every choice of component had to be justified as having a small carbon footprint and at the same time, be lightweight. The Crane FS valves were quick and easy to install in modules offsite.”

Brockholes has many different natural habitats, including lakes, reed beds, grassland and woodland, attracting all types of wildlife to the area. The centre will finance the reserve, allowing up to 400 visitors to access facilities which will include a café, shop and gallery along with education/meeting rooms