A major £870,000 scheme to once again give people viewing access to the world famous Seven Sisters caverns in Dudley is now complete.

The Mayor of Dudley cut the ribbon on the completed access and interpretation scheme at Wren’s Nest National Nature Reserve.

The ripples through time project has seen 18 months of improvement works on the internationally renowned geological site, including improvements to entrances, paths, steps and fencing and the creation of a new car park for the national nature reserve.

In addition, the project has enabled visitors to once again have access to the viewing areas of the Seven Sisters mine. The caverns, which have been fenced off to the public for the past nine years, have two new viewing platforms, with additional work carried out on one of the mine entrances to reveal more of the limestone pillars.

A series of interpretation panels and artworks have also been installed throughout the reserve to give visitors a greater understanding of the site and its importance in the world for its geology. Designed by local artists with members of the local community and primary schools, the artworks tell many different stories about the nature reserve – including why it is important to local people.

Councillor Michael Evans, Mayor of Dudley, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for all involved and a wonderful way for people to learn about our heritage.

“It gives visitors a window to our past in an area of global importance to geology, and I hope people will find the information and features that have been added a fun way to learn.”

Councillor David Stanley, cabinet member for environment and culture, said: “I am delighted to see the finishing touches put to this project to give people more access to an area of such historical importance in Dudley.

“People come from all over the world to Wren’s Nest, and thanks to this work, people will be able to get closer and have a greater understanding of our past.”

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has contributed around £800,000 funding towards the project, in addition to a further £70,000 from Natural England through their programme, Natural Assets which was funded through Advantage West Midlands. The Mayor of Dudley, Councillor Michael Evans, unveiled the work at an event last week which included a visit from funding partners - Heritage Lottery Fund, Natural England and Advantage West Midlands.

Anne Jenkins, from HLF West Midlands said: “Wren’s Nest is an important and fascinating site which deserves to be better understood by local people and those visiting from further afield. The project has enabled people to see more of the caverns and has provided information about them in imaginative and exciting ways.”

Giles Merritt, from Natural England, added: “We are delighted to be supporting this brilliant project which will enable more people to come and enjoy the Wren’s Nest site and to learn all about the history and geology of this unique and amazing place.”