British Wildlife Centre

The British Wildlife Centre is a zoological institution located in the hamlet of Newchapel, near Lingfield, in Surrey, England. Established in 1997 by David Mills, the centre was founded on the site of a former dairy farm, with the specific goal of celebrating and showcasing native British wildlife.

Species and Enclosures

The British Wildlife Centre provides homes for approximately 40 different species of British wildlife. Most of these animals are housed in their own dedicated enclosures, allowing visitors to observe them in environments designed to reflect their natural habitats. The collection includes a variety of mammals such as red squirrels, red deer, roe deer, red foxes, weasels, badgers, river otters, hedgehogs, European water voles, polecats, pine martens, and Scottish wildcats. Birds of prey, such as owls, are also featured.

History and Operations

David Mills' vision for the centre began in 1997 when he transformed his dairy farm into a facility dedicated to British fauna. For its initial three years, the centre operated by serving pre-booked groups. Since then, it has opened its doors to the general public, welcoming paying daytime visitors on almost every day of the year.

Conservation and Education

A core mission of the British Wildlife Centre is to educate visitors and to foster a greater appreciation for wildlife conservation. The centre actively participates in captive breeding programmes aimed at protecting and propagating native species. To enhance the visitor experience and educational aspect, animals are fed throughout the day. During these feeding times, regular "keeper talks" are held, typically at 30-minute intervals, with some morning sessions being repeated in the afternoon to accommodate visitors.