Butterfly World and Willows Farm Village 2011

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If you have children in or around the St Albans area, you may already be well aware of the recently opened Butterfly World in Chiswell Green and the ever- popular Willows Farm Village near London Colney.

BUTTERFLY WORLD PROJECT

Butterfly World is now in Phase III of its £27 M project and has been visited by 25,000 people since it opened just two years ago. The focus for this season is on the lifecycle of the Butterfly and making people aware of how fragile it is. Any schools who would be interested visiting  their education zone can apply via the website. Spread the word…

The children’s playground extension is now completed and suitable for all ages.  This consists of wobbly sheep, willow tunnels, rope bridge and log climbing- frame as well as sandpits. This year the tropical butterfly house is home to 600 species of butterflies!  The wildflower meadows are spectular! Bring a camera along to capture the beauty of the 12 unique Future Gardens (my personal favourite!). And finally, many locals are awaiting the opening of the massive biome (27 acre site designed in the shape of a butterfly’s head) in Autumn 2011.

See www.butterflyworldproject.com for full information and prices (incl membership) The website also contains good photos as well as the story of how it all came to be. Really worth a look! Enjoy.

WILLOWS FARM VILLAGE

Like Butterfly World, this famous farm village  is both educational and fun yet has a charming atmosphere of its own! Willows started as a working farm and gradually developed into one of the top leisure attractions in Hertfordshire.

It now includes reindeer, wallabies, sheep racing, duck trails, Tristan Tractor Rides,Panning for Gold, fair rides, bouncy castles, Woolly’s Barn (great active fun for a rainy day), lakeside walks, guinea-pigs in dozens (our favourite) and many more attractions as well as good food and coffee.

From 23rd July to 4th  September 2011, the maize is open to all (see website). Parents may be pleased to hear that Activity Day Camps will be available for children at  approx £35 per day (8.30am – 5.30pm). And if you want to have a glimpse into the daily stuff, read the Farmer’s Blog on their flash website. There is even an interactive map on there too!  Note; some activities are seasonal – especially Santa’s visit!!

www.willowsfarmvillage.com

If you have enjoyed your visit to either attraction,  let us know.

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Maria Larmer lives in St Albans and is married with four children. She works as a Freelance Writer, English Language Teacher and Teaching Assistant. She has lived in Auckland, New Zealand for 9 years and prior to that in France, Germany, Austria, Edinburgh, London and Ireland. Her diary-writing has featured on 'The Wild Geese' Channel 4 and Radio Verulam. She has written for Hertfordshire Life magazine, Go Camping magazine, Camping magazine, The Catholic Times, St Albans & Harpenden Review, New Zealand Times, The New Beacon, My Weekly and various websites. She can be contacted on maria.larmer@ntlworld.com