EXCITING multi-million pound plans for a world class visitor centre at Wren’s Nest Nature Reserve have taken another leap forward with a £700,000 funding boost.

The Heritage Lottery Fund has awarded Dudley Council £711,000 towards its Ripples in Time project.

The plans include providing access to the Seven Sisters limestone mine entrance as well as building a visitor and education centre on site with an employed learning and community development officer.

Money will also be spent on improving paths, steps and fencing and creating a more accessible route around the reserve, which will turn the Wren’s Nest into a worked class destination for geology and environmental regeneration.

Councillor David Stanley, cabinet member for environment and culture, said: “The money will kick start the creation of a world class visitor destination, right here in the Dudley borough.

“Wren’s Nest is steeped in history and thousands of people visit every year. This money will help us celebrate and build on history and bring even more people to the borough.”

Anne Jenkins, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund for West Midlands, said: “We’re delighted to see these plants for the Wren’s Nest come to fruition. The site is a geological jewel of the Black Country and the improved access arrangements will enable both visitors and the community alike to gain a much greater insight into the importance of this area.”