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PHOTO: RON THOMAS
WIRRAL NATURE RESERVE RECEIVES
VISIT ENGLAND WELCOME ACCOLADE
Staff, volunteers and visitors are celebrating at RSPB Burton
Mere Wetlands, the popular nature reserve near Neston,
following news that the site has been awarded the prestigious
Welcome accolade from VisitEngland – one of just six attractions
in the North West to receive an award this year.
Attractions across England are awarded VisitEngland accolades
in appreciation of the outstanding experiences they provide, with
other categories including story-telling, food and drink, hidden
gem status and an overall Gold award. The attractions have achieved
these awards based on the score they obtained following their
annual assessment by VisitEngland, with Burton Mere Wetlands’
Welcome accolade a result of its 100% score on the staff component
of the assessment.
Burton Mere Wetlands, the heart of the RSPB Dee Estuary reserve,
is increasingly popular with nature enthusiasts of all ages, with
thousands of visitors flocking to the site each year to explore
its unique visitor centre, extensive trails, breath-taking wildlife
spectacles, wild play area and impressive views.
to deliver an outstanding visitor experience for the many families
and individuals who enjoy our wonderful reserve each year.
“A huge thank you goes to our staff and volunteers for working so
hard to deliver the highest level of visitor experience at Burton Mere
Wetlands. To receive this award in the reserve’s 40th anniversary
year is a fitting recognition of the sensitive development the RSPB
has delivered on the Dee Estuary, since our beginnings at Parkgate
in 1979.”
VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes said: “England is home to
world-class attractions right across the country, welcoming visitors
throughout the year and offering experiences of the highest quality
including excellent food and drink and outstanding customer
service. It is also really fantastic to see these accolades recognising
the work of those employees, managers and owners who make
sure that all who pass through their doors have a truly memorable
experience.”
Graham Jones, Site Manager at RSPB Dee Estuary reserve, said:
“This is fantastic news for the reserve and we’re sure that our visitors
will be as thrilled as we are. VisitEngland’s Attractions Accolades, now in their fifth year, can be
attained by members of the VisitEngland Visitor Attraction Quality
Scheme in categories including the Welcome Accolade, Hidden
Gem, Best Told Story, Quality Food and Drink and the Gold
Accolade for all-round top-scoring attractions.
“To achieve a Welcome accolade is such an honour. This award
reflects the ongoing hard work by everyone here at the Dee Estuary For further information on the special events and wildlife at RSPB
Dee Estuary, visit rspb.org.uk/burtonmerewetlands.
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