Sprawled across an expansive enclave of 25 acres bordering the New Forest lies a wildlife sanctuary unlike any other in Britain. Ideally located close to the hamlets of Lyndhurst and Ashurst, the New Forest Wildlife Park is considered to be one of the countrys leading conservation centres and wildlife rehabilitation facilities. Frequented by nature lovers and animal enthusiasts alike the venue specializes in showcasing native British species and an impressive otter and owl collection from around the world. Having opened its doors to the public in 1998 as The New Forest Otter, Owl and Wildlife Conservation Park the institution pioneered by Kizzie and Ferdie Heap has grown in size and popularity as the years wore on.
Highlights at the park include its impressive animal collection which includes 49 species of otters, owls and other animal varieties that are indigenous to Britain and other parts of the globe. Eurasian Otter, North American River Otter and Asian Short Claw Otter are some of the sanctuarys most popular inhabitants while Red Neck Wallabies, Red Foxes, Northern Lynxes, European Grey Wolves, and Scottish Wildcats are also crowd pleasers. The park also showcases Hedgehogs, Badgers, Pine Martens and European Polecats as well as Ferrets, Wild Boars and Harvest Mice. Deer species found in the enclosure include Fallow Deer, Reeves Muntjac deer, Sika Deer and Red Deer while New Forest Wildlife Parks extensive collection of owls boasts such exotic inhabitants as the European Eagle Owl, Snowy Owl, Milky Eagle Owl, White Faced Southern Scop Owl, Brown Wood Owl and Mckinder's Eagle Owl. Spectacled Owls, Boobook Owls, South American Great Horned Owls, Tawny Owls, Ural Owls and Great Grey Owls also call this verdant space home as do Barn Owls and Little Owls. A breathtaking walk-in butterfly exhibit is also part of the landscape and is one of the most visited areas in the sanctuary.
Visitors young and old also have the rare opportunity of working as a wildlife zoo keeper for a day at the site. Geared to educate visitors on the finer points of being an animal minder the exercise can last up to half a day or be as brief as a two hour stint. The Woodland Bakehouse and a gift shop are also on-site for those who wish to unwind after an exhilarating day of sightseeing and pick up a souvenir to take back home.
Travellers in search of a
luxury hotel in London will be more than pleased with Europes original grand hotel, The Langham London. Having hosted dignitaries and its fair share of celebrity clients this
luxury family hotel packs in all the charm of a Victorian establishment in the heart of the British capital.
