The BWC is home to an amazing collection of over 40 different animals native to Britain; many of these species are rarely seen in the wild
Animal lovers will adore The British Wildlife Centre (BWC) in Lingfield, Surrey, says Jean Butler who recently visited with her two young children. The Centre is home to an amazing collection of over 40 different animals native to Britain.
On arrival at the BWC it became apparent that conservation is at the heart of everything they do. It also became abundantly clear that these contented animals live in a carefully thought-out environment. The keepers are passionate about their beloved charges and the talks scheduled in half hour slots throughout the day are just fascinating.
We attended the hedgehogs talk explaining their habits and why they are declining in numbers, and more importantly what we can do to help. It was enjoyable watching a hedgehog roaming freely beside its keeper and we saw this cute creature close-up. It was refreshing listening to the keeper patiently answering young children’s questions for quite some time after the talk ended.
Interestingly, you can adopt your favourite animal for a year at the Centre with prices ranging from £30 to £40. A perfect gift for someone special, this is an enjoyable way of raising funds to look after the Centre’s animals and helping their crucial conservation efforts. Adopters receive a certificate of adoption, a wonderful image and fact sheet, one free Centre admission ticket and a newsletter three times a year.
Do also take a peek at the photography competition on the Centre’s website. This is open to all ages. Just submit up to two of your favourite photographs taken whilst visiting the BWC during 2014 (closing date: 14th November 2014).
The competition prizes are tempting. The winner will experience a fantastic 1:1 day of photography with the Centre’s Head Keeper and the follow-up prizes consist of a year’s BWC membership.
Do take a look in the BWC shop and seek out the simply stunning animal photographs for sale, ranging from a reasonable £12-£15, taken by the Head Keeper, Matt. All of his subjects are homed at the Centre.
It is reassuring to know that profits are fed back into the Centre to help maintain high standards of animal care, and to carry on with their conservation projects to save Britain’s most vulnerable species.
We adored the British Wildlife Centre and will be returning for future visits.
Entry prices:
Adult: £11, senior: £10
Child (ages 3-15): £8
Family: 2 adults + 2 children: £35
Children (under age 3): FREE
Essential carers: FREE
The BWC is open every weekend and public holiday of the year (excluding 25th/26th December) and open daily during state school holidays.
February to October: 10am to 5pm
November to January: 10am to 4pm
British Wildlife Centre, Lingfield, Surrey, RH7 6LF
Telephone: 01342 834658