The design of Gouthwaite Wildlife Centre will be funded by Nidderdale AONB through the Upper Nidderdale Landscape Partnership. Gouthwaite Reservoir lies in Upper Nidderdale.  It is an important site for breeding wildfowl, and provides sheltered feeding grounds for passage and wintering birds.  At the north-western end there is an extensive shallow area where mud flats and lagoons are exposed when the water-level falls.  It is this area which is particularly attractive to feeding ducks and waders.  Over 200 bird species have been recorded, and the reservoir attracts large numbers of wintering duck, including up to 500 teal and 2,000 mallard. 

The Wildlife Centre will be sited below the existing viewing area that is located opposite the private car park. The existing open viewing point will be retained, to watch birds of prey and other species in the sky.  Group Ginger’s design proposal provides inclusive access to nature allowing visitors to engage with their natural environment whilst protecting the habitat.