A wildlife charity near Burnham-On-Sea is welcoming daily visitors this summer, for the first time in over fifteen years.
Secret World in East Huntspill takes in over 5,000 injured and orphaned wild animals each year, from deer to dunnocks to dormice.
Although the centre used to be open to the public every day, in recent years it has only been open for visitors on a few special weekends a year.
But from August 1st and throughout the summer, Secret World will be welcoming visitors daily from 10am to 4pm.
Visitors can see the resident sleepy badgers Betsy and Luna in their sett, and discover how BBC’s ‘The Burrowers’ was filmed at Secret World with wildlife TV presenter Chris Packham.
There will also be the chance to see foxes Mia, April and Megan, as well as Polly the red deer and the Secret World birds of prey. On Tuesdays and Thursdays you might be lucky enough to see the barn owls, tawny owls, eagle owls and kestrel out and about as their handlers give the birds their weekly health checks and walk them around the site.
Laura Benfield, Head of Animal Care, said: “Our resident animals live at Secret World as they were sadly too tame to be released. They now play an important role in helping visitors understand more about our fascinating native wildlife and what we can all do to help.”
“Our core mission however is to get wildlife casualties fit, healthy and back where they belong wherever possible. So, as well as seeing our resident foxes, badgers and deer, visitors can discover more about our work to rescue, rehabilitate and release injured and orphaned wildlife through displays, videos and a peek through the window of our orphan-rearing room. At this time of year you might be lucky enough to see a baby bat, swift, rabbit or squirrel being hand-fed by their carer”
“Our delightful harvest mice will be on display and you can find out more about our project to increase the wild population of Britain’s smallest rodent whose numbers are sadly in decline.”
“We rely on our fabulous team of volunteers to rescue and care for the animals, and we are enormously grateful to our volunteers for helping to prepare the site for visitors and to be on hand to welcome people when we open the gates. We are always looking for more volunteers so please come and talk to us about how you can help.”
“Entry is free but we hope that visitors will want to make a donation as we rely on the generosity of the public to help all the animals who need us. For example, visitors can discover how we’re helping orphaned otters. These beautiful mammals take a long time to rehabilitate and need fresh fish daily so we are always in need of funds to support them.”
Every Wednesday during August there will also be the chance to experience Nick Wadham’s Wild and Deadly Show. Nick’s LIVE nature show will be at Secret World on 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 August. In between performances there will be the chance to handle many of the insects and reptiles featured. Wild and Deadly Wednesdays cost just £4 per adult and £2 per child.
If that’s not enough, there’s the Secret Word Summer Party on 29 August – a bank holiday family fun day, and Music in the Meadow on 10 September with legendary rockers Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel, punk icon Toyah Willcox and a host of local bands. Visit www.secretworld.org to find all of these opportunities to visit and support Secret World.
