The new Bute Park Education Centre has been officially opened to the public as part of a free family fun day.
The Lord Mayor of Cardiff, Cllr Delme Bowen attended the event along with children and families who discovered what the new facility has to offer.
Despite the rain, children had a hoot as they enjoyed one of the many activities throughout the day, including an interactive ‘meet and greet’ with several nocturnal friends from the Owl Sanctuary.
The Council’s ecology team held a free prize draw for those visitors who completed a Wildlife Garden Survey about the species they have spotted in gardens over the last year. The project was in partnership with the Wildlife Trust and contributors won prizes such as bird boxes, bird feeders and wildlife books. A member of the Countryside team was present and offered people information about the Taff Trail.
There was a story-teller, face painter, many have-a-go art and crafts, games, stalls and for the grown-ups a quiz on wildlife identification with species that can be found in the park.
The Bute Park Friends Group also be took part and provided activities, information and advice on how to join them, as well as information stands from the RSPB, Orchard Cardiff, Pedal Power and Walking for Health.
The new ‘All Seasons’ catering kiosk opened throughout the day serving up a variety of snacks, refreshments and Halloween treats.
The brand new facility will be the hub of educational activities within the park and will give people an insight into the Council’s impressive horticultural operation which supplies the whole city with its colourful floral displays.
The centre, set behind a new garden wall, plays on the concept of a ‘secret garden’ and is accessed through a large, beautifully carved oak door. The panels of the door were specially designed by local wood carvers as part of the ‘’People’s Door’’ competition and help tell the parks’ history through imagery.
Schools, families and special interest groups as well as Cardiff Council’s award-winning horticultural scheme can all use the centre as an educational resource.
The centre boasts excellent learning and conference facilities, which include a classroom and archive room to house a variety of resources on park heritage, natural history and environmental themes. New interpretation panels will be installed along the internal glazed street to lead people through the park’s rich history.
Large windows situated at the back of the centre allow people to look out over the working part of the nursery where plant propagation and distribution takes place.
Other features include a timber exterior, grass roof, solar panels, free WiFi and a quality catering outlet open to both passers-by and centre users.
The building is set sympathetically within its landscape and has characteristics including a new formal planted border, climbing roses, new picnic benches, additional bike stands and a new footpath providing an access route to the centre.
The Lord Mayor of Cardiff, Cllr Prof Delme Bowen; said: “This new education centre is an excellent asset for Bute Park and can be enjoyed by people young and old.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my visit today and I even got to meet an Eagle Owl who happily perched on my arm. I learnt a lot about the history and environment of Bute Park as well as getting an insight into the wonderful working nursery.”
Executive Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture, Cllr Nigel Howells said: “I hope that children and families enjoyed the fun day and made themselves familiar with this exciting facility.
“It is a great resource for schools, community groups and the people of Cardiff where they can learn more about the park and its environment and the fantastic behind-the-scenes work that goes into colouring the city in flowers and shrubs.
“Bute Park plays an important part in the history of Cardiff and is an invaluable recreational space. This new education provision will be the centre of city horticulture and will create many new opportunities.”
Jennifer Stewart, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) in Wales, said: “Bute Park is used by families, students and local people in the city every day. Thanks to this brilliant new education centre, they’ll be able to discover the full range of the Park’s interesting wildlife and delve deeper into the Park’s fascinating history.”
The Bute Park Education Centre is part of the Bute Park restoration project which is joint-funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Cardiff Council.
For more information please visit www.cardiff.gov.uk/butepark or to make an enquiry about booking the centre please call 02920 872730 or e-mail [email protected]
