Marwell Zoo set to open UK Native Species Zone in March 2025

Marwell Wildlife is delighted to announce that it has secured funding for a new Native Species Zone at Marwell Zoo, set to open in March 2025. 

The project, which has been awarded a generous grant of £49,954 from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, administered by Winchester City Council, will showcase UK wildlife while addressing urgent conservation needs. Phase one of the project focuses on white-clawed crayfish and sand lizards, two UK species that face threats to their survival.

White-clawed crayfish, once a keystone species in Hampshire’s chalk streams, have suffered a dramatic decline in the past 40 years due to habitat loss, and competition and predation from invasive crayfish species, and most significantly the disease ‘crayfish plague’ that they carry.  The new Conservation Breeding Centre will provide a haven for crayfish and enable Marwell, in collaboration with Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, to support population recovery across the region. Guests will have the rare opportunity to observe this endangered species up close and learn about its conservation challenges.

Sand lizards, among Britain’s most endangered reptiles, are struggling due to habitat destruction. Over the last 30+ years, Marwell Wildlife has been instrumental in helping to re-establish sand lizard populations across the South of England and the new habitat will not only provide a lifelong home for individuals but also help to raise awareness of this shy species to the public.

“This project is vital for protecting UK species and a crucial step in our mission to safeguard local species and connect people with the extraordinary wildlife we have here in Hampshire,” said Laura Read, Chief Executive of Marwell Wildlife.  “Thanks to the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, Winchester City Council and everyone that donated during the Big Give Green Match Fund, we can now begin to establish a dedicated zone within the zoo to drive conservation efforts for these fascinating and endangered animals, whilst also engaging with our guests and raising awareness.”  Laura went on to say, “As a supporter of the arts, I’m also thrilled that this project has given us the opportunity to collaborate with the Winchester School of Art to create some stunning murals, demonstrating another way that people can connect with nature”.

In addition to the conservation habitats, the zone will feature elements of play and interpretation for guests to discover how they too can help protect UK wildlife in their own gardens and local communities.

Winchester City Council’s Cabinet Member for Business and Culture, Cllr Lucille Thompson said "I’m really pleased we’ve been able to support Marwell Wildlife through this UKSPF grant to establish a new Native Species Zone and I wish them every success as they work to conserve important local species here in Hampshire and the wider UK. Marwell Wildlife is a much-loved place to visit in our district and having the opportunity to learn more about these important species will no doubt be of interest to many returning and new visitors.”

As a conservation and education charity, Marwell aims to be at the forefront of what a modern zoo should be for now and the future, backed by a record of conservation science and tangible outputs that really make a difference to nature’s recovery.

This project is part-funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and supported by Winchester City Council.