Out & About Autumn 2021

TRAVEL The Living Rainforest in Hampstead Norreys ranks number five in a recent survey looking for the best family-friendly eco-attractions in the UK. Top place goes to GreenWood Family Park in Gwynedd, Wales, with Pensthorpe Natural Park in Norfolk taking second spot, Wildwood Trust in Kent is third and The Eden Project in Cornwall takes fourth place. If you’re staying in the UK this year, here’s the lowdown on these top five eco-attractions and what you can see and do there.

GreenWood Family Park, Gwynedd, LL56 4QN www.greenwoodfamilypark. co.uk A forest of family fun and great outdoor adventure awaits at the award-winning GreenWood Family Park; a gigantic playground nestled beneath the trees of Snowdonia’s National Park full of amusement, magic and mischief. Dotted amongst the woodland floor you’ll discover an enchanting world powered by people… make a splash on the UK’s only solar powered water ride, jump aboard the world’s first people powered roller coaster and zoom down the longest sledge run in Wales. Run wild through ancient forest, be mesmerised as you meander round the Enchanted River Ride and take on the task of finding hidden treasure from the sleeping giant’s slumber in the Giant Quest obstacle challenge.

The Living Rainforest, Hampstead Norreys, Berkshire RG18 0TN https://livingrainforest.org The Living Rainforest Centre is run by the Trust for Sustainable Living. They welcome around 100,000 visitors each year, including 25,000 children on school trips. Visitors can experience the sights, sounds and smells of a lush tropical rainforest environment – and explore how plants, animals, human needs, economies and cultures are

all linked. The centre is home to over 850 species of plants and animals, including rare and endangered species of global conservation value.

Pensthorpe Natural Park, Pensthorpe Road, Fakenham, NR21 0LN www.pensthorpe.com Spanning over 700 verdant acres, home to a nature reserve and four glorious gardens. Wander through the fairytale- like Millennium Garden or if you’re more interested in fauna than flora, the Wildlife Habitat Garden is for you. Mice, bees and dragonflies aren’t the only residents of

Penthstorpe, the grassland areas wouldn’t be the same without the Longhorn Cattle that roam the reserve. Bird enthusiasts will be delighted with the seven bird hides, but possibly most exciting are the brilliant pink flamingos, which help to raise awareness of Wetland decline. Little ones love the indoor and outdoor eco-play areas and in warmer weather can cool off in the WildRootz stream.

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O&A AUTUMN 2021