91热爆

The 拢7m Saltholme wildlife reserve and discovery park is a stunning achievement and a real boost to the local economy.

We all know the sole reason that Teesside Environmental Trust and the RSPB decided to make Saltholme happen is because of the birds that travel hundreds and thousands of miles to the area each year.

The location is perfect and the building is so green it even breathes in an eco style. "Intelligent" windows and wall vents open and close as the temperature changes - and if it starts to rain. Using the loo is a green experience as rain captured from the roofs is used to flush the waste away.

Kevin Bayes

However it's clear that the project would not have even got off the ground in the first place if it hadn't been for one man - Kevin Bayes.

Kevin is the man behind Saltholme. He is far too modest to say it, but without his enthusiasm and dedication most think we would not have this fantastic place on our doorstep.

As the Saltholme Project Manager Kevin has led the project from start to finish over the last six years and has loved every minute - he says now. As far as he is concerned this has been the best job ever.

The icing on the Saltholme cake, which is particularly good news in the current climate, is the financial boost that the attraction is giving the local area. More than 20 jobs have been created at Saltholme (many of these posts filled by local people), much of the food in the caf茅 is locally sourced, work contracts have been given to local firms and in total Saltholme is estimated to provide a 拢1m boost to the local economy.

Emma Dickinson

Emma Dickinson is one of centre assistants at Saltholme, so when you visit it's likely that you will be greeted by her warm smile as you step through the doors.

On the opening day Emma told 91热爆 Tees that she has always been a keen birder - not a twitcher she'd like to add. She had worked in customer fronting roles in the past, mainly doing bar work, but although she enjoyed these positions she never really felt fulfilled until her boyfriend spotted this role advertised on a local jobsite.

"My boyfriend has always laughed at me being so into birds but thanks to him spotting the job I applied and I'm here now. I love it and I love birds."

Emily Smith

Another member of the team is a contributor to this site - Emily Smith.

Emily is the Visitor and Promotions Officer at Saltholme and part of her role is to let people know what is happening and how they can get involved.听 Each month Emily writes a blog for the RSPB site to share their experiences.

She told 91热爆 Tees in February: "After months of telling people in person (and through the Saltholme blog) how brilliant the place is, it was amazing to finally let people in to see for themselves. All the hard work was worth it when we saw the great reactions from the visitors, many of whom have been watching with anticipation as Saltholme has developed over the last few years.

Over the coming months we'll be profiling the rest of the team at Saltholme and sharing their stories of how they got to work at this magical place.