Take a Spring Walk on Herbert Whitley's, Founder of Paignton Zoo, Property

By Philip Knowling 

Paignton, UK - A free nature walk will help people get in step with Spring. 

Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust Reserves Warden Dave Ellacott is leading the Spring Walk around Primley local nature reserve on Saturday 16th May. The guided walk marks both the onset of Spring and Plant Conservation Day (18th May), an international day to celebrate the importance of plants.

Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust Reserves Warden Dave Ellacott said: “Plants will be putting on a growth spurt after the relative dormancy of winter and we should see early flowerings of iconic plants such as wild garlic, bluebells and not forgetting primrose, the flower of Devon. Birds will be getting busy with nesting and - as long as the weather is good - we should see early butterflies such as red admiral.”

The walk will include both meadow and woodland areas. Sturdy footwear is required as the paths are sloping and uneven. The walk starts from the main entrance to Primley Park (on Totnes Road opposite Collingwood road) at 2:00pm. 

Primley is a 12 hectare public open space on the edge of Paignton cared for by the Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust. It was created from land belonging to the private residence of Herbert Whitley, the founder of Paignton Zoo.

Plant Conservation Day is on Monday 18th May. It started in the US and has spread through the support of organisations such as Botanic Gardens Conservation International (of which Paignton Zoo is a member) and botanical and zoological gardens around the world as a way of highlighting the importance of plant conservation (www.plantconservationday.org). 

Paignton Zoo is holding a gardens open evening on Plant Conservation Day. For tickets and prices telephone 01803 697500. 

The Spring Walk is free but places are limited, so booking is essential - please telephone 01803 697500. Paignton Zoo Environmental Park is a registered charity. For more information go to www.paigntonzoo.org.uk or ring (01803) 697500.

Paignton Zoo is a member of the British & Irish Association of Zoos & Aquariums (BIAZA). BIAZA represents its member collections and promotes the values of good zoos and aquariums. For further information please telephone 020 7449 6351.

www.paigntonzoo.org.uk

www.livingcoasts.org.uk 

Paignton Zoo Environmental Park is a registered charity. Registered office: Paignton Zoo Environmental Park, Totnes Road, Paignton, Devon TQ4 7EU. Registration number 792877. Registered charity number 300923. Place of incorporation: Companies House, Cardiff.