 As improvements to the reserve continued and visitor numbers grew , a requirement for a much improved infrastructure was identified , and in 1998 the new Visitor Centre at Brandon Marsh was opened by Sir David Attenborough . It cost over £ 600 @,@ 000 to build and was mainly funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund , with support from Lafarge through the Landfill Tax Credit Scheme and an appeal to Trust members . The Centre is open to the public every day of the year except Christmas Day , and also houses an Education Centre catering for school visits , a conference centre , and a tearoom and gift shop . 
