Representatives from The Wildheart Animal Trust, Bristol Zoological Society and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife TrustA Crayfish Conservation Centre was officially opened at The Wildheart Animal Sanctuary yesterday afternoon (Friday). The Wildheart Animal Sanctuary has worked closely with the Bristol Zoological Society and the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust (HIWWT) to ensure the preservation of this species and yesterday the brand-new conservation centre was opened by the Mayor of Sandown Alex Lightfoot. The new centre will house the first ex-situ population of native Crayfish on the Isle of Wight. The aim is not only to supplement existing wild populations, but to establish new populations that can be released into safe havens or ark sites in Hampshire. Crayfish can live to 12 years of age and grow up to 12cm long. Due to pollution, habitat loss and the introduction of the invasive Signal Crayfish to the UK, the White-clawed Crayfish is an endangered species and has suffered a dramatic population decline, with its survival dependent on active conservation. Sandown Town Mayor Alex Lightfoot cutting the ribbon. Found in shallow freshwater streams, they hide under stones and in small crevices and forage for insects, worms, larvae, and plants. The new centre was built with the help of numerous companies with Island connections. Dr Jen Nightingale, UK Conservation Manager from the Bristol Zoological Society, said:
“It is very exciting to be working with the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary and Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. I am truly delighted that Bristol Zoological Society have brought the Endangered, white-clawed crayfish to the Isle of Wight. “The team at Wildheart have worked tirelessly to create a fabulous crayfish centre and display for the animals, which will fascinate and inspire visitors to the sanctuary.
Upon opening the centre, Sandown Town Mayor, Alex Lightfoot said:
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“The thing I love the most about this project is that it is one of the few conservation centres open to the public and is educational. “Speaking to and educating the public is really key to the whole idea of conservation. It’s amazing what you guys are doing.”
The facility is set to open to the public today. Those present at the event queuing to see the brand new centre
Value to the island, hmmmm, where, tourist attractions closing, pubs closing, shops closing, get real and see the s**t that is going on, more houses being built, no infrastructure being added to cope with the influx of people, one hospital, no dentists, and when do you actually get to see a doctor these days, crumbling roads, crumbling coasts, lazy and corrupt council, and of course there is seely saying “CLOSE THE SCHOOLS NOW”, need I say more, not really.
Brand new centre, looks like the building is in a terrible state of repair, watch out for falling masonry. Is that the tradesmans entrance?
Why dont you pay a visit before critisising and see for yourself you would recognise the great work they are doing.
another person moaning about things but won’t do anything to make change or bring value to the island
Value to the island, hmmmm, where, tourist attractions closing, pubs closing, shops closing, get real and see the s**t that is going on, more houses being built, no infrastructure being added to cope with the influx of people, one hospital, no dentists, and when do you actually get to see a doctor these days, crumbling roads, crumbling coasts, lazy and corrupt council, and of course there is seely saying “CLOSE THE SCHOOLS NOW”, need I say more, not really.
You’re not wrong, but the post is about crayfish …
thank you for moaning about things again but when are you going to do something to change it?
That is precisely the attitude that holds the Island back. Smallminded and inward looking.
yes exactly, “everything is bad and it’s everyone else’s fault and I’m not going to do anything about it but moan”