stalbanslife

Butterfly World, St Albans,  will welcome David Bellamy this Sunday 10th October. David, the well-known conservationist, is patron to Butterfly World and will be there in person to meet visitors. David will speak about the decline in the butterfly species and ways that we can help reverse the situation. Maybe it is not all bad news! The Very Hungry Caterpillar will also be wandering around…

David will speak at 2pm and 4pm in the Garden Room (near cafe). While you are there, don’t miss the Tropical Butterfly House and the Future Gardens as they are a wonderful experience. The little shop is great too as it has a vast range of Hungry Caterpillar products.  We would welcome your feedback on your experience of Butterfly World.

Lots more information on www.butterflyworldproject.com

PLAY IN THE PARKS,  ST ALBANS

This is free to all parents and children each summer. Running from 26^th July until 1^stSeptember, your 5-12 yr olds can go along to any of the 15 open spaces across the district. However, under 8’s need to be accompanied by a parent.

Activities include Drama Workshops, Creative Games and Sports Specific Sessions. For further details, maps etc, click on www.stalbans.gov.uk .

WILLOWS PARK FARM, LONDON COLNEY

Willows is just magical for children and whatever the weather, there is always plenty to do. The ever-popular ‘maize’ maze activity runs from 24^th July until 5^thSeptember. There is Woollys Jumper Play Barn, the Sheep Show (my kids favourite!), Daft Duck trails, Fun Fair Rides. You can hold the Guinea-Pigs, drink a smooth latte or play Frisbee Golf. Lots more information on events, times and prices on www.willowsfarmvillage.com .

THE SNOW CENTRE, HEMEL HEMPSTEAD

It might be summertime but why not get ready for the Ski Season? The Ski Centre is a 15 minute drive from St Albans and offers Holiday Courses from £60. The kids use up their energy on the slope while you unwind in the Edge Café Bar and look on! It’s a win/win situation! Click www.thesnowcentre.com .

Note; Our local newspapers, The Herts Advertiser www.hertsad.co.uk  and The St Albans Review www.stalbansreview.co.uk  have the latest info on theatres, arts and sports events.

St Albans is extremely proud to have the world’s largest butterfly park, which is a £25 m project. Currently known as Future Gardens, it will eventually become Butterfly World.

It consists of 27 acres of land in the green belt area north of the M25 in Chiswell Green, St Albans. There are 12 inspiring gardens which have something for everyone, including The Very Hungry Caterpillar Garden for children. There is the Wildflower Meadows, a tropical butterfly house, a butterfly garden and a café.

Clive Farrell, a lepidopterist (butterfly enthusiast) is the inventor of this project. He has opened butterfly houses in Florida, Switzerland and Stratford-upon-Avon. When finished, the aim is to have 10,000 tropical butterflies of 250 species. These will freely fly under the 300ft-wide, walk through dome.

David Attenborough is concerned about the decline of butterflies in recent years but is delighted that the plants are already flourishing in this new habitat. David Bellamy, the celebrated botanist, is one of the trustees of this project and has already spotted some species of butterflies and bees at the gardens.

One little hiccup to overcome, it seems, is the issue of finding the place! Some signs say Future Gardens and some show a flower. This has caused some complaints but perhaps the stalbanslife readers can let us know how it went for them?

For information on opening times and directions, visit www.butterflyworldproject.com  or email info@butterflyworldproject.com .