Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre has opened a new interactive AV installation to enable visitors to further explore the wildlife and history of the ancient headland in Bournemouth.
Constructed by specialists DJW, the installation features technology to stream live footage and audio of wildlife across the nature reserve, filmed in real time on hidden cameras, study stations and a weather station.
The £1.35m visitor centre, which has a grass roof and walls insulated with straw, seeks to educate on the internationally important archaeology, geology and ecology of the headland and its surrounding area.
As well as the new installation, the site features displays, study zones, videos, wildlife webcams, podcasts, trails, talks and walks, to help raise awareness and understanding of the habitat that is now declared as an ancient monument.
Outside of the centre, within two courtyard areas, a 3D model of the headland is displayed and an outdoor LCD screen shows updateable information and details relevant to visiting school groups and activities.
The Bournemouth Borough Council-managed attraction originally opened late last year and has now reopened following a winter break. The centre is set to undergo a grand unveiling on April 12.
The Bournemouth and Dorset coastlines are home to an array of scientifically and geologically important sites, with a number of developments coming to the fore in recent years.
Last year, it was announced that Sir David Attenborough, the Eden Project's Tim Smit and science writer Mike Hanlon were supporting plans for
Jurassica, a proposed £85m fossil attraction for Portland in Dorset.