Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust Gererates 2,000 visitors a year
The Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust in Jersey opened Durrell Wildlife Camp in 2012, giving guests the opportunity to stay overnight in 12 stylish Ecopods with unlimited access to some of the rarest species on earth. The Camp has generated 2,000 extra visitors per year and was already fully booked for summer by January this year.
Boldscan designed and manufactured the Geodomes, one of a range of Glamping tents from their Albion Canvas range. They also supplied a Safari style “Club House”, which is used as a focal point for guests to socialise next to the barbeque, as well as keep connected with Wi-Fi.
The domes are situated in landscaped grounds adjacent to the lemur enclosure. Each accommodates two adults and two children, with optional additional accommodation in a Pyramid Tent for children. Facilities include a wood burning stove for heat and cooking, plus separate pod housing a hot shower, flushing toilet and kitchen space. Two of the domes have been adapted to suit disabled visitors. The domes are available for short breaks and week-long stays from March to October, with prices starting from £480 for a 3 night stay.
The domes are made using canvas produced in the UK and fitted to an aluminium frame, all manufactured at the factory in Wellington, Somerset.
Gerald Durrell, OBE, renowned naturalist, zookeeper, conservationist and author founded Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust (formally Jersey Zoo), in 1959 to house his growing collection of animals. The site for the park, a 16th century manor house; Les Augrès Manor, came to Durrell’s notice by chance after a long and unsuccessful search for a suitable site. Durrell leased the manor and set up his zoo on the redesigned manor grounds. In the same year, Durrell undertook a successful expedition to South America, to collect endangered species.
The wildlife park is situated in 32 acres (130,000 m2) of landscaped parkland and water-gardens. It has a strong commitment to looking after the Island’s native wildlife, with large areas designated as native habitat areas. The extensive planting of flowering and fruiting trees throughout the grounds also serves to attract a plethora of wild birds and insects. Several species of bird which used to be commonly seen in Jersey gardens, but have become increasingly scarce, include the house sparrow and song thrush. There are over 50 nest-boxes positioned around the grounds, which are used by a variety of birds including barn owls, kestrels, swallows and martins. Other animals which are commonly seen within the grounds are the red squirrel, bank vole, and the short-toed tree creeper, which is not found in the UK.
Further details
For further information about visiting please contact: www.durrell.org/camp