CBA PRESS RELEASE 31/1/06

NATIONAL WILDLIFE CONSERVATION PARK...MASTERPLANNING BY CBA

The Bristol, Clifton and West of England Zoological Society Limited, who own Bristol Zoo Gardens, are to develop a 55ha site west of Bristol in the first conservation-led animal development of its kind proposed in the UK. In recognition of the special qualities of the landscape at the site, Bristol Zoo Gardens asked Chris Blandford Associates to develop a landscape-led masterplan for the National Wildlife Conservation Park that respects the historic nature of the site as a landscaped estate as well as providing an iconic, world-class visitor attraction that combines an exciting and fun experience with the more serious messages of conservation and environmental sustainability. The development cost is expected to be £50 million and is due to open in 2011. It is anticipated that the Park will attract 600,000 visitors a year.

The project is supported by the South West Regional Development Agency and the initial Masterplan and concept was endorsed by South Gloucester District Council in January 2006.

In addition to the Visitor 'Village' and other facilities, a range of themed exhibits set within the rich landscape of the site will be created including British Wetlands, Congo Basin Tropical Forest, Central American Swamp and African Savannah.

The National Wildlife Conservation Park will be of world-class quality and will champion and support national and international conservation, and demonstrate and encourage widespread sustainability. It will be an iconic visitor attraction that integrates an exciting, fun experience with education and actively engages visitors in a wide range of animal and plant conservation projects.

For further information visit the National Wildlife Conservation Park on the web: www.conservationpark.org.uk

British Wetlands

Congo Basin Tropical Rainforest

Central American Swamp

African Savannah