Conservation is essential to the survival of mankind and a concept we all need to know about, so here are a few places where learning about saving the planet is cleverly disguised as a fun day out for the whole family...
The Eden Project...
This living laboratory is a truly educational experience in ecology, boasting a number of huge domes resembling space-age greenhouses; each emulating a different biome of a certain environment, including tropical, warm and Mediterranean. The sprawling environmental complex based in Cornwall focuses on the interdependence of plants and people while retaining all energy used from wind turbines and creating a steady water supply from sanitised rainwater. Wherever you are you'll find it a worthwhile trip with important lessons for the future. More at edenproject.com
Kew Gardens...
Another horticultural hotspot with a keen eye for conservation, The Royal Botanical Gardens in London is reportedly one of the leading centres for advice and action on aspects of plant and fungal conservation. World renowned, Kew is teeming with 300 acres of greenery and scenery, all contributing toward delivering science-based plant conservation worldwide. Visit kew.org
More eco-friendly events...
A day at the zoo has always been a firm favourite among traditional days out, reflected by the fact that there are over 530 zoos in the UK at present. Animal-captivity for the sake of our viewing pleasure may be disapproved of by some, but the days of bear fights and bicycle-riding juggling monkeys are long gone, writes Ross Watson
Modern-day Zoos
‘Conservation, education, research, recreation,' these are the four roles of a good modern zoo, according to BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums). ‘In a perfect world there would not be a need for zoos, or other conservation organisations, nor would we be living through this period of mass extinction. Fortunately, in the 21st century, good zoos have risen to the challenge and are becoming a united and powerful force for conservation.'
This sentiment is epitomised by arguably two of the best known zoos in the country, both run under the guidance of the Zoological Society of London. London of course boasts the very well known London Zoo, which has just opened the awesome Gorilla Kingdom, a brand new £5.3m enclosure that has taken almost 18 months to build and is now home to a colony of stunning western lowland gorillas. A little further out of town in the heart of Bedfordshire is Whipsnade Zoo, which has recently overseen the birth of an Asian rhino calf and an Asian elephant calf. The rhino's arrival is particularly good news as she represents a new bloodline, making her a very important addition to the European Endangered Species Programme. More...
Family Events in Winter - Find some great events for your family this winter
