ZEBRAS grazing the grasslands of Redditch, ostriches, African Crane, Meerkats, Red River Hogs and Ringtailed Limurs too.
No, this isn’t some kind of April Fool’s joke in August, but a distinct possibilities if one man’s plans for a Heart of England Wildlife Park take off – and it could all become a reality by next Easter, 2021.
The animal lover behind it is Redditch resident Martin Blyth, a teacher who admits that since the age of four he has wanted to work with animals.
Now he hopes to make that dream come true with two locations chosen as possible homes to the wildlife park, one in Redditch, the other in neighbouring Wychavon District, with the Redditch one, by Forge Mill Needle Museum, as the preferred option.
“I’m a teacher currently in education management and I’ve already told my colleagues the only way I’d quit my job is to start a zoo and that’s what I intend to do,” said Martin, aged 28.
The emphasis will be on conservation and education and he’s inviting local people to become part of the adventure too if it’s given the go-ahead.
There’s a range of membership packages and a £300,000 crowdfunding drive – which has raised £3,000 in 24 hours – to bring the African Savannah to Redditch.
The plan is to develop the zoo in three phases, covering 30 acres in total, creating a tourist attraction and providing local jobs for local people.
“The aim is to make it a walk through safari, a park without bars or cages for everyone to enjoy,” said Martin.
Amazingly the proposal brings to life plans from the 1960s to site a zoo in Redditch.
Councillor Mike Rouse, Deputy Leader of Redditch Borough Council said: “As we move into a new future for regional tourism, the Heart of England Wildlife Park will enable a fresh injection of economic and cultural opportunities that will benefit not just its local area but much further afield too.
“We should all be very excited by this new development, for which I know there is strong demand from families and young people.”
For more details, visit https://www.hofewildlifepark.com/ .
