Tilgate Nature Centre

Duck Platform at Titmus lake

Tilgate Nature Centre is a Local Nature Reserve, located within Tilgate park in Tilgate Forest, South-East Crawley, United Kingdom.[1][2][3]

History

Tilgate Nature centre was formed in 1966 to breed ducklings for introduction into the 3 lakes at Tilgate.[4] Its focus changed over the years to captive breeding of threatened species, particularly domesticated mammels, also wild birds, such as cranes and wildfowl (ducks, geese and swans).[5]

Attractions

Meet the Meerkats

The centre is open to the paying public with attractions such as watching feeding times, "adopt an animal", "Meet the Meerkats"[6] or "Pamper a Pony" experiences, to encourage younger people.[7]

Conservation

Many endangered species are kept at Tilgate Nature Centre, which has taken on an important role in conservation, protecting endangered species from extinction due to rapid changes affecting their natural habitats.By , Tilgate Nature Centre has become nationally important for maintaining breeding groups of these animals to preserve rare breeds of domestic livestock as well as endangered wild species.

Critically Endangered species include Bagot goat, Bald ibis, Boreray sheep, Laysan Teal duck. Endangered Species include British Lop pig, Edward’s pheasant, Pink pigeon, Red breasted goose, Stanley crane, Yellow-backed Chattering Lory, White park cattle, Red squirrel.

Chattering Lory

Vulnerable Species include Abyssinian blue winged goose, Azara’s agouti, Baikal teal duck, Barraband, Brown eared pheasant.[5][7]

References

  1. ↑ Crawley Borough Council. Accessed 18 June 2007
  2. ↑ "Tilgate Forest". Local Nature Reserves. Natural England. Retrieved 26 July 2013.
  3. ↑ "Map of Tilgate Forest". Local Nature Reserves. Natural England. Retrieved 26 July 2013.
  4. ↑ "Tilgate Park through the 1960s, 70s and 80s". Tilgate Park. Crawley.Gov.uk. Retrieved 203 October 2013. Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Conservation at Tilgate Nature Centre Retrieved October 3 2013
  6. ↑ With Video: Cute meerkat pups on display at Tilgate Park Nature Centre in Crawley. The Argus, 30 May 2013.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Tilgate Nature Centre Retrieved October 3 2013

External links

Coordinates: 51°5′39.3″N 0°10′40.85″W / 51.094250°N 0.1780139°W