Features

The visitor centre - which cost £2.5 million and was officially opened in April, 2007 - has won the Prime Minister's Better Public Building Award.

The centre is one of Yorkshire's most eco-friendly buildings. It's clad out of wood which is grown and milled in the forest and has solar panels and wind turbines. Its toilets are flushed by rainwater. The reception desk incorporates recycled mobile phones, yoghurt pots and old boots. The roof cover is made from recycled tyres and inner tubes.

But it's what is behind the scenes which gives the centre its eco-edge: the boiler which provides the hot water and general heating is run exclusively on wood chips.

The balcony overlooks the forest

"That's still quite unusual in the United Kingdom - on the continent they've got a lot more wood chip boiler installations but it's becoming more and more common with the increase in the price of gas and electricity. As an alternative this is a good option," said John Bates, from the Forestry Commission.

These environmental considerations are what impressed the judges when they chose the visitor centre ahead of 17 other projects such as the King's Cross St Pancras underground station in London, the National Cold War Exhibition at the RAF Museum in Shropshire and the Bridge Arts Centre in Glasgow.

It's because the construction and use of public buildings contribute at least a third of all carbon emissions.

"It inspires those using and visiting it. It adds to the enjoyment of the places and spaces around us. It brings new business opportunities and it shows how great design lies at the heart of our response to climate change."

The centre is clad in home-grown larch

The Culture Secretary James Purnell said the centre shows what excellent design can bring to local communities and the environment - and sets high standards for the future.

"This is especially important now, at a time when our design and construction industries must respond urgently to the threat of climate change."

This is all a far cry from 40 years ago as retired forester Gordon Simpson recalls. He was charged with laying the groundwork to open up Dalby Forest to visitors. But it was no easy task.

The high ceiling of the centre's lobby

"My biggest problem was converting the oldest foresters who had this attitude of 'Keep Out'. I had to try and convert them to letting people into the forest. I felt I built a good base to start with but it was very experimental at the time."

Now, Dalby Forest attracts about 300,000 visitors a year making it one of Yorkshire's most popular outdoor attractions - and the visitor centre has added to the draw. The week after the centre's opening was the busiest in the forest's 85-year history.