Park centre comes to life for the spring

The popular attraction in Moss Bank Park, Bolton, has reopened for the spring and summer now many of the species have woken from their hibernation.

Forthcoming highlights include the hatching of caterpillars after a Giant Atlas Moth, which was found in Ramsbottom in October, laid eggs.

It is thought the moth, which made national headlines when it was discovered, probably escaped from a private collection, rather than flying in from its native Philippines.

Mark Lightowler, Animal World supervisor, said: “We could potentially have 24 moths. The eggs could hatch anytime between now and August.” There is also Animal World Conservation Project which is embarking on projects to promote education and conservation, including breeding and releasing into the wild a number of endangered species as well as encouraging people to create the right habitats in their gardens to attract butterflies.

Mr Lightowler said: “Visitors to the butterfly house will see things they would not normally see in the wild; to do so they would have travel long distances. We will eventually sell the wild plants to visitors so they can take them home to plant and attract the butterflies, which need a very specific habitat.”

The butterfly house is already proving an extra resource for schools to enhance their curriculum.

Animal World’s butterfly house was transformed last year and opened in May, just over a year after it was closed.

AWCAP has worked to ensure the survival of Animal World — particularly the butterfly house — after Bolton Council wanted to close it as part of the town hall cash cuts. Animal World now depends on grant funding, donations and the support of the community.

Next month teachers are invited to the butterfly house to find out how the centre and an educational pack can complement learning in the classroom.

For more information on volunteering, attending the teachers’ session or sponsoring Animal World, email awcap@hotmail.co.uk.