Visitor Guide 2019

GO WILD in Wiltshire!
Visitors to Longleat have become
accustomed to meeting all manner of
exotic creatures as they tour the safari
park. Lions. Tigers. Monkeys. A whole
menagerie of majestic animals, in fact.
What they haven’t been able to see –
until now – are koalas.
But this spring, as part of an important conservation project, five
intrepid antipodeans will settle into Koala Creek, their very own,
purpose-built walk-through habitat in the heart of the Wiltshire
countryside. This marsupial des res comes complete with its own
natural stream, eucalyptus trees and climbing poles, plus viewing
areas and interpretation boards. There’s even a dedicated Koala Care
unit – what more could any new arrival from down under ask for?
You can imagine yourself on safari at Cotswold Wildlife Park,
too, where giraffe, zebra and lions are waiting to make your
acquaintance. Meet giant tortoises. Feed the penguins. Walk
amongst lemurs. Or look across the ha ha to stare rhinos in the eye.
If big game spotting is a bit too much to cope with, younger children
will feel right at home at one of our smaller animal parks. Here there
are lambs to stroke, rabbits to handle and newly hatched chicks to
coo over, so the ‘aah’ factor will likely be off the clock. Tractor and
trailer rides are a guaranteed highlight too. And in the event that
anyone has energy to spare, exciting indoor and outdoor play areas
provide the perfect place to let off steam.
While many of these activities are common to all our animal parks,
each has its own unique features as well. Alongside exquisite
livestock at Cholderton Rare Breeds Farm, for example, the peak
time pig races are a sure-fire hit. On Tractor Ted’s Little Farm at
Bowood, after budding mechanics have tackled the mini tractor track
and mastered the mechanical diggers they can can take time out
to watch the eponymous hero on film. And at Roves Farm, would-be
explorers can sharpen up their survival skills with den building and
outdoor adventure play.
Studley Grange offers a taste of the tropics as you roam amongst
some of the world’s most beautiful butterflies. You can meet Rigby
the racoon. Say hello to otters Buzz, Einstein and Darwin. Or get to
know meerkats Thelma, Louise and JD. At Forest Falconry birds of
prey fans will relish the chance to handle, train and hunt with some
of nature’s most spectacular birds, including hawks, falcons and
owls. While the Hawk Conservancy Trust, with up to three world-class
flying displays each day, is a full-on family adventure. Here there are
over 150 birds of prey on view… and every visitor can hold one!
As you would expect from a county of such outstanding natural
beauty, Wiltshire has plenty of indigenous wildlife too. The shy,
retiring water-vole for example, to be found along many a riverbank,
and the great bustard – now successfully re-introduced to Salisbury
Plain after being hunted to extinction there in the 19 th century. With
150 lakes set over 40 square miles, lovely off-road cycle routes,
miles of peaceful footpaths and wonderful flora and fauna, Cotswold
Water Park is a great place to discover the wonders of our natural
world. As is Wiltshire Wildlife Trust’s nature reserve at Langford
Lakes, which attracts a whole host of wild birds throughout the year.
Depending on the season you can watch as grebes shake their
heads in dramatic courtship displays. Look out for Canada geese
and tufted duck. Spy the turquoise flash of a kingfisher. Or glimpse
the spectacular osprey. Even the elusive and endangered bittern has
been spotted creeping silently through the reeds.
“Fun for all the family,
come rain or shine”
> Cotswold Wildlife Park
> Forest Falconry
> Studley Grange
> Roves Farm
> Cholderton Rare Breeds Farm
> Hawk Conservancy Trust
20 #timeforwiltshire