Wildlife Discovery Centre
Region
Europe
Country
UK
Flyway
East Atlantic flyway
Initiative
WLI Europe
About
Name of organisation
Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, Learning and Engagement
Funding support
Fully funded
Number of staff
2
Number of visitors per year
Approx 25,000
Overall aims of the centre
Site for birdwatching, visitor information centre for River Lee Country Park, schools and community engagement, volunteer supported.
Description of the centre
Comprising of a Discovery room with activities and interpretation, large hide and viewing tower. Outdoor bench seating and bike racks.
Work Areas
Main CEPA work area
The centre is fully accessible (linked with AccessAble) and is currently used regularly by schools, community groups such as U3A, care home residents, out of school programmes, SEN groups as well as drop in visitors from across the region and further afield including overseas visitors.
Top three successes
Redevelopment of existing hide/visitor centre, target to increase volunteer support and adapt requirements enabling extended opening times and more volunteer inclusion, free summer holiday family activities introducing children to wildlife habitats and increasing knowledge of Centre and Park.
Top three challenges
Low take up of initiatives such as drop in centre for wellbeing walks, getting the message out there about the Centre, lack of close public transport links and issues with facilities.
Expertise
Interpretation techniques
Creating signage / site information; Producing written materials; Using audio-visual tools
Visitor centres
Setting up a new visitor centre; Managing / creating habitat; Running a visitor centre; Building / maintaining structures
Participation
Working with disabled people; Engaging hard-to-reach groups; Engaging young people; Engaging the local community; Working with volunteers
Education and communication
Early years education; Delivering adult education; Working with primary schools; Working with secondary schools; Developing resources / materials
General
Auditing / assessing effectiveness; PR and marketing; Running effective administration; Health and safety; Project planning.
Contact
Elizabeth Davies, Learning and Engagement Officer, Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, Myddelton House, Bulls Cross, Enfield, Middlesex EN2 9HG
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