New Conservation Hub Opens at Shepreth Wildlife Park
Shepreth Wildlife Park in Cambridgeshire has inaugurated an interactive conservation hub designed to educate young visitors about nature and wildlife conservation.
The new facility features a variety of interactive screens and projections to enhance understanding, including a simulated erupting volcano.
Rebecca Willers, director of the park, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative, stating:
"We are so excited to have this different way of bringing children to the wildlife park and getting them to leave with a message."
Funding and Background of the Project
The Shepreth Wildlife Conservation Charity (SWCC) reported that the project was funded by South Cambridgeshire District Council's Rural England Prosperity Fund.
Established in 2011, SWCC raises funds to educate visitors about species at risk of extinction and supports the park's on-site hedgehog hospital.
Willers noted that the concept of a conservation hub had been under discussion for approximately eight years.
"It is a dream come true, as when we started the charity, our aim was to get a hedgehog hospital [and] to raise money for charities all over the world; we have done that, and our next step was a conservation centre," she added.
Features of the Conservation Hub
The new building comprises two main areas: Wild Play and The Hive.
Wild Play includes three interactive activities, such as a sandbox where various scenarios are projected and a 6ft (1.8m) touchscreen that allows visitors to engage in conservation-themed games.
Willers also mentioned that the charity is seeking volunteers to assist in operating Wild Play and to engage with visitors about conservation and nature.
Located adjacent to the site's play area, the building aims to provide an immersive educational experience for children and families visiting the park.
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