The wildlife park near Canterbury is relaunching its popular evening openings, where visitors can get nose-to-nose with British wildlife and enjoy the park’s ancient woodland in a relaxed, adults-only setting
On May 14, Wildwood Trust will open its doors as the sun sets to host those who have longed for a romantic date night with a difference or a wild evening out with friends with a twist, after more than a year of restrictions and just in time for the next phase of lockdown easing on May 17.
Visitors to the park’s evening openings can explore its 40-acre woodland with a socially distanced stroll as dusk settles and animals such as badgers, lynx, pine martens and wolves come out to enjoy this magical time of day.
Afterwards a cold drink and a hot meal await in an alfresco setting under the evening stars, while listening to the dusk bird chorus finding its voice. The limited openings are for Fridays and Saturdays only from May – August, and are exclusively for over-16s.
‘’Last year we had incredible feedback from people who felt like these openings were a fantastic alternative to the excitement of our daytime adventures. In the evening there is a really calm and peaceful atmosphere compared with the buzz of the daytime. We only allow limited numbers of visitors in the evenings which gives a real sense of exclusivity, it feels almost like having the park to yourself. It’s a truly special experience and not to be missed!’’ Said Paul Whitfield, Director General at Wildwood Trust.
Reopening the park not only gives people the joy of meeting native British species face to face, it’s also a much needed antidote after months of indoor time where many people felt like they lost touch with nature.
“Seeing the animals at this time of day and in a different setting can be a very special and intimate encounter. Many of our animals are more active at this time of day and to experience the stirring of a wildcat ready for its nightly hunt or the whirr of an owl’s wings in the twilight gives you an immensely satisfactory feeling of being connected to nature.”
Said Mark Habben, Zoo Director at Wildwood Trust.
Wildwood has the Visit England ‘good to go’ seal of approval, highlighting covid safe places to visit. Measures such as limited entries to the park, one-way systems and multiple hand sanitising stations have been put in place at the Trust, which has received overwhelming support and praise for its measures since reopening April 12.
Wildwood is not only an animal park with native species it is also a leading conservation charity for British wildlife. The park is a place where species conservation, animal rescues and nature preservation are in action.
During lockdown, funds for vital conservation projects including bringing dormice, wildcats and red squirrels back from the brink of extinction, have been hard hit. Money raised by events such as the special evening openings will help to restore these much needed conservation funds.
Wildwood Trust will be doing both daytime and evening opening slots throughout the summer. To book a visit go to https://www.wildwoodtrust.org/contact-us/get-in-touch/
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