This award-winning centre is the first of its type in the world. The 40-acre site is the only large wetlands conservation area within the limits of any capital city on the planet. Opened in 2000 the centre was designed to allow hundreds of thousands of normal people to be able to see extraordinary wildlife and plant life without having to travel. In 2002 the centre was designated as a place of special scientific interest. The centre has a shop and café available to visitors.