New report holds up Wildwood as an example for other zoos to follow

New Government report holds up Wildwood as an example for other zoos to follow.

Today saw the publication of the Defra-commissioned report into zoos’ contribution to conservation and education. Wildwood Trust was chosen as a case study for its outstanding contribution to native wildlife conservation.

The report detailed Wildwood’s many conservation and education projects and held up Wildwood’s work as an example for other zoos to follow.

Peter Smith, Wildwood Trust’s Chief Executive said:

“It is wonderful for Wildwood’s conservation and education efforts to be recognised in such a report. Wildwood’s volunteers, members and staff are making a huge contribution to help many of our most endangered creatures. The report highlights in particular the excellent efforts of our conservation team, led by Senior Conservation Officer Hazel Ryan, in rescuing and reintroducing water voles, Britain’s most endangered mammal”

“Since we became a charity eight years ago we have put in a huge amount of effort, making Wildwood the most successful wildlife education centre in Kent. We now employ an outstanding education team and have developed award-winning wildlife education programmes that stimulate fun and learning for children across the county.”

Head of Education, Anne Riddell said:

“The education team continues to grow, attracting groups of all ages to learn about wildlife in our unique woodland setting. We have just had our busiest summer season ever and we are thrilled to see all our hard work recognised in this report.”

Quotes from the report:

7.1.1

The Wildwood Trust’s water vole re-introduction activities… demonstrate that smaller zoos have the potential to make a considerable conservation contribution.

Appendix 9, Page 95

“Considerable emphasis is placed on the reintroduction of native species and the protection of their natural habitats at Wildwood.”

“The zoo’s activities have also attracted considerable media attention through local news coverage as well as featuring on nature programmes, such as Countryfile. Many students have published papers, with the help of Wildwood employees, in a range of journals.”

“Other activities include training sessions dedicated to water vole conservation and more specialised courses for local wildlife groups, students and land-owners on surveying small mammals. Water voles are part of the A-level Endangered Species Conservation session. The zoo hosts many work experience students on conservation or animal care courses.”

A copy of the report can be downloaded from this link:

http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/zoos/documents/review-zoos-conservation.pdf