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
Welsh Mountain Zoo...
Somewhere in the mountains of Colwyn Bay lives the first camel to have been bred in Wales. This is one of many features that makes this conservation zoo special, along with red squirrels, Sumatran tigers and Persian snow leopards. Many of their co-operative breeding programmes are endorsed by the Species Survival Commission of the World Conservation Union. The zoo is a very popular venue and highlights the importance of captive breeding in addition to work done in the animals' native countries. For further information go to welshmountainzoo.org
Centre for Alternative Technology...
Another ecological triumph for the Welsh, the Centre for Alternative Technology attempts to offer solutions to some of the most serious challenges facing our planet and the human race. What began as an old disused quarry in the seventies is now arguably Europe's leading eco centre with self-sustaining electricity and gardens built on grounds with no natural soil. Imaginative interactive displays on energy conservation, organic growing and waste management, as well as a 180ft cliff railway, ensure the centre is very popular among schoolchildren. And the people residing there are living proof of what can be achieved through a sustainable lifestyle. Learn all about it at cat.org.uk
Bewilderwood...
Described rather modestly on the website as ‘a curious treehouse adventure park near Norwich', the Bewilderwood is in fact an enchanting make-believe world in the woods, where kids are brought closer to nature through stories, slides and sweet sludge pies. Although the emphasis is on outdoor play and adventure, there is a cleverly hidden agenda here as the forest is sustainable and pesticide free, the food is organic and even the mythical crocklebog creature is a vegetarian. Check it out at bewilderwood.co.uk
