A WILDLIFE charity has closed the doors to its education centre in Solihull over ‘rising national costs’.
Warwickshire Wildlife Trust has left the Parkridge Centre in Brueton Park after 23 years.
In a statement the Trust said: “Unfortunately, rising national costs have put increased pressure on operating the centre and we have had to reassess where our funds are most needed, to ensure we deliver our charitable objectives in the best possible way.
“The Trust would like to thank all the staff and volunteers who have contributed so much to Parkridge over the past 23 years.
“And of course, a huge thank you to the visitors who supported Warwickshire Wildlife Trust by visiting the café and enjoying the small but beautiful nature reserve to the rear of the visitor centre.”
Over the years the Parkridge Centre hosted a number of events during school holidays aimed at teaching youngsters, and thier parents, about the wildlife, and plants in the park as well as those that can be spotted in their gardens.
Visitors could often be found looking under rocks for critters, building homes for wildlife and even creating dens for themselves.
The Trust said it will continue to also work with schools and community groups who want to make a difference for wildlife in their area, too.
But the charity’s work in Solihull won’t stop there.
It added: “The Trust will continue to make a difference for wildlife in the area by managing eight nature reserves across the borough covering 66.6 hectares, including Brook Meadow, Shadowbrook Meadow, Elmdon Manor and Clowes Wood.
“In recent years we have been creating more space for nature at a landscape scale across rivers and farmland in Solihull.
“This work, led by our Tame Valley Wetlands and River and Catchment Restoration teams, has delivered significant impact in the area.
“We will continue to actively work within the Solihull area to make a positive difference for wildlife and will continue to work with a range of partners including Solihull Council, with whom we have a strong and valued relationship.
“Whilst the site remains closed to the public, the Trust will continue to look after the building and reserve until it is handed back to Solihull Council.”
