Community

Nature Center and Education Center at the Barry site

The Barry site has a fantastic 30 acre nature reserve with an education building suitable for school and group educational visits. This sits adjacent to our manufacturing areas showing that wildlife and industry can coexist side by side. The area offers some unique habitats for wildlife to flourish. Educational visits are encouraged and we can offer activities to support the sustainability curriculum that schools follow.

The Education Center and open-air classroom

The sustainable education center

The center is built overlooking the large fishing ponds and can be used by schools and local groups for environmental studies, field trips and science projects. 

With a commitment to sustainability, Dow Corning used materials from sustainable resources wherever possible when designing and constructing the education center. Environmental features were incorporated – for example ground source heating and solar panels provide heat and power for the center; while rainwater is harvested and recycled to provide a water source.

The center has achieved 'Eco Center' status (a recognized scheme run by Keep Wales Tidy to award organizations that promote eco-friendly practices). An Eco-Code sets out our codes of practice within the education center building.

School Visits

School trips can be accommodated at the Education Center on any weekday. We have an education officer who is Forest School Leader trained to help run education programs at the center. We can accept schools, colleges and community groups from all over the region. 

Explore the different activities suitable for all age ranges available at the Education Center . Activities can be adapted or schools can develop their own program - simply work with our education officer when you have booked your visit date.

Reserve a school or group visit with our online registration form. Please note we require a minimum of 3 weeks' notice for a visit. Once the form has been submitted we will contact you to confirm dates and discuss your school's requirements.

Disabled visitors are welcomed and can be accommodated well with easy pathways and fishing platforms.

Fishing

The two large ponds provide an excellent angling facility. Fishing is limited to members of the Glamorgan Anglers Club.

General Visitors

The Nature Center area is open to the local community from around the Barry site by appointment only. Access can be granted for people to walk and observe nature. Unfortunately, the Education Center will not be accessible. We must limit numbers to ensure the wildlife is not disturbed and for safety reasons. Please make an appointment with Dow Corning if you wish to visit the Nature Center by calling 01446 732350.

Please note that since the nature area has sensitive habitats we do not allow dogs on the reserve.

The Wildlife

The area supports a wide range of flora and fauna in three distinct wildlife habitats:

• Ponds
• reed beds
• meadow land.

The area is home to four species of dragonfly, while wading birds are encouraged by the design of shallow areas in the ponds. Other species seen on our nature reserve include otters, the harvest mouse, the Rare Bitten, bees and butterflies. The site also offers a sheltered feeding ground for many over-wintering species of waders, and a safe nesting site for spring visitors.We work closely with the Wildlife Trust for South and West Wales (Wildlife Trust for South and West Wales) who help us maintain the biodiversity of the land and water.