Tilgate Nature Centre wins top zoo award

The centre, run by Crawley Borough Council in Tilgate Park, is home to more than 100 different species from otters to owls, tapir to terrapins and reindeer to raccoon dogs.

It has won a gold ‘sustainability award’ from the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums - BIAZA.

Nature centre staff created a sustainability movement and encouraged visitors to consider more sustainable choices in their everyday life.

The staff created fun, interactive activities for visitors on sustainable palm oil and litter pollution, 3D signage and a pledge tree.

BIAZA said: “Visitors engaged with the various activities and 70.8 per cent of 388 visitors were able to retain information on sustainability.

“As a council-run zoo in a large park this movement has had the opportunity to make a far-reaching impact.”

Councillor Chris Mullins, cabinet member for wellbeing said: “This is great news for Tilgate Nature Centre, Tilgate Park and the council.

“The award is testament to the hard work and dedication of nature centre staff. As well as caring for a wide range of animals, they look for ways to operate more sustainably and this award reflects that.”

For more information about Tilgate Nature Centre and to book a visit head to www.crawley.gov.uk//tilgatenaturecentre