Fr furthr infomation


London Zoo www.zsl.org


London Zoo Experiences (including Keeper and Junior Keeper for a Day) www.zsl.org/experiences-at-zsl


Sea Life Centre, London www.visitsealife.com/london/


animals are particularly special. Tere are several city farms in the area, but in East London the Hackney City Farm has a particular charm. With barnyard animals, a working garden and a popular café which uses produce from the farm, it has been a favourite in the area since 1984. With an even longer historical tradition, Golders Hill Park has been a neighbourhood insti- tution for generations. Adjoining Hampstead Heath, the City of London- run park contains beautiful gardens, a but- terfly house, landscaped ponds and a children’s play area. Te park also has a free zoo with a small collection of exotic ani- mals. Te onsite Italian café has been fam- ily owned and operated for decades and serves homemade ice cream. My favourite, most recent animal experi-


ence was something I dreamt of since childhood. I’ve always loved birds of prey and, although I’ve attended many flying demonstrations, this was a chance to actu- ally fly the birds myself. Offered by Pembrokeshire Falconry, and hosted in the National Botanic Garden of Wales, I had the opportunity to fly several varieties of birds of prey in one of the most beauti- ful settings imaginable. Accompanied by an experienced falconer, I had Harris Hawks, a Brahminy Kite and a Turkey Vulture fly to my gloved hand from over- head. I was able to fly 3 varieties of owl in- doors and even handled a magnificent Steppe Eagle. Te employees were ex- tremely careful and knowledgeable and they have handling opportunities for all


ages and experience levels. Since Great Britain is home to some of


the most beautiful and iconic wildlife in the world (think Wind in the Willows and Beatrix Potter), it is a treat to experience some of these animals up close in their nat- ural habitats. I’ve attended some fabulous free lectures and tours, hosted by universi- ties, local animal welfare groups or natural science museums. One tour hosted by the Biology Department at Swansea University allowed us to track the movements and noises of bat populations over local parks. Another display hosted by the Oriel Science Museum allowed us to see and handle species of insects that were both in- teresting and in some cases medically use- ful. Tere are frequent hosted tours like those led by the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales that are held at twilight and offer the chance to see foxes, hedge- hogs, badgers and more in the wild. Tese can usually be found by simply checking the events notices on university websites or local conservation societies. So, while Wales might lack the parade of


raccoons, possums and squirrels through my yard and attic in the States, I guess, in retrospect, I might prefer the chance to choose how and when I get up close and personal with wildlife. Besides, given the range of options I’m finding nearby, I’m not missing the Texas fauna like I used to – particularly the mosquitoes and fire ants.


Bristol Zoo Lodge Experience - www.thelodgebristolzoo.co.uk


Whipsnade Zoo - www.zsl.org/zsl-whipsnade-zoo


Chester Zoo – www.chesterzoo.org


Edinburgh Zoo – www.edinburghzoo.org.uk


Manor Wildlife Park www.manorwildlifepark.co.uk


Folly Farm Adventure Park www.folly-farm.co.uk


Hackney City Farms www.hackneycityfarm.co.uk


Golders Green Park www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to- do/green-spaces/hampstead-heath/ golders-hill-park


Pembrokeshire Falconry www.pembrokeshire-falconry.co.uk


The National Gallery during the War


Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales www.welshwildlife.org


Oriel Science (Swansea University) www.orielscience.co.uk


Before studying chemistry, biology and education at university, Angie Bott spent her youth prowling through Texas scrubland looking for critters. She is now attempting the same in the hedgerows of South Wales and is loving it.


www.focus-info.org FOCUS The Magazine 23


Pollock Museum


Lilian Browse in the 1950s


London Wartime Nightlife


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