The Living Rainforest
The Living Rainforest is an indoor tropical rainforest ecological and educational center located in Hampstead Norreys, Berkshire, England. It features three glasshouses replicating different rainforest environments and aims to educate visitors, particularly school children, about tropical ecosystems and conservation. The center is operated by the Trust for Sustainable Living and is open seven days a week.
Key Facts
- ›Established in 1991 as Wyld Court Rainforest by philanthropist Keith Bromley and horticulturalist Barry Findon.
- ›Opened to the public in April 1993 as a rainforest visitor centre.
- ›Transferred ownership to the Living Rainforest, an independent educational charity, in July 2000.
- ›Comprises three glasshouses: Amazonica, Lowlands, and Small Islands.
- ›Home to over 700 plants and animals, including rare and endangered species.
- ›Accredited by the Council for Learning Outside of the Classroom with the LOtC Quality Badge.
Amazonica Glasshouse, Lowlands Glasshouse, Small Islands Glasshouse, Dwarf Caiman Exhibit, Orchid Cloud Forest Exhibit, Toucan Exhibit, Snakes Exhibit
Dwarf Caimans, Emerald Tree Boas, Carpet Python, Channel-Billed Toucan, Goeldi's Monkeys, Six-Banded Armadillo
- Breeding programs for rare and endangered species
About The Living Rainforest
The Living Rainforest is an indoor tropical rainforest ecological and educational centre located in Hampstead Norreys, Berkshire, England. It functions as a visitor attraction and a vital educational hub, dedicated to fostering an understanding of tropical ecosystems and their conservation. The centre is run by the Trust for Sustainable Living, an independent educational charity.
History and Foundation
The site originally housed Wyld Court Orchids, a nursery renowned for its collection of rare orchid species. The privately owned "Wyld Court Rainforest" was established in 1991 by philanthropist Keith Bromley, inspired by his travels in Venezuela, and horticulturalist Barry Findon. It first opened its doors to the public in April 1993. In 1996, the facility was donated to the World Land Trust. Ownership transitioned in 2000 to a new company, "The Living Rainforest," which has since been operated as an independent educational charity. The centre is now home to over 700 plants and animals, including species of global conservation significance.
Attractions and Exhibits
The Living Rainforest comprises three adjoining glasshouses: Amazonica, Lowlands, and Small Islands. These structures are designed to represent various layers and ecological zones of tropical rainforests, from the canopy to the forest floor, and life at the edge of island rainforests. The Small Islands glasshouse specifically highlights issues faced by Small Island Developing States. The centre also features a Human Impact Building, opened in 2006, which showcases sustainable design principles. Notable exhibits include the Dwarf Caiman, Orchid Cloud Forest, Littoral Zone, Bromeliads, Toucan, Sustainable Futures, Snakes, Small Islands, Armadillo, Goeldi's Monkeys, and Fischer's Turacao exhibits.
Educational Mission and Visitors
The Living Rainforest is accredited by the Council for Learning Outside of the Classroom and holds the LOtC Quality Badge. It plays a significant role in environmental education, with approximately 25,000 children visiting annually as part of their school curricula. The centre operates seven days a week, providing accessible opportunities for learning about the natural world.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Living Rainforest?
The Living Rainforest is an indoor tropical rainforest ecological and educational centre located in Hampstead Norreys, Berkshire, England. It features three glasshouses designed to replicate different rainforest environments and serves as a visitor attraction and educational facility.
When was The Living Rainforest established?
The site was initially created as Wyld Court Rainforest in 1991 by Keith Bromley and Barry Findon. It first opened to the public in April 1993 and became The Living Rainforest under independent charity operation in July 2000.
What are the main attractions at The Living Rainforest?
The main attractions are its three interconnected glasshouses: Amazonica, Lowlands, and Small Islands, which showcase diverse tropical flora and fauna. It also features specific exhibits like the Dwarf Caiman, Orchid Cloud Forest, and Toucan exhibits, along with a Human Impact Building and visitor amenities.
What kind of animals and plants can be found at The Living Rainforest?
The Living Rainforest houses over 700 plants and animals, including rare and endangered species. The plant collection features tropical species such as bananas, bromeliads, and orchids, while animals include dwarf caimans, emerald tree boas, Goeldi's monkeys, and various tropical fish.
What is the educational focus of The Living Rainforest?
The center serves as an educational facility, particularly for school children, with around 25,000 visiting each year as part of their curriculum. It is accredited by the Council for Learning Outside of the Classroom, highlighting its commitment to educational experiences.
Who operates The Living Rainforest?
The Living Rainforest is operated by the Trust for Sustainable Living, an independent educational charity. It was established as a private venture before being donated to the World Land Trust and subsequently transferred to its current independent charitable status.
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