Work on Scotland’s Wildlife Discovery Centre starts

The wildlife conservation charity says the £8m project will inspire visitors and communities in the Cairngorms National Park to protect nature at a time when the world faces a biodiversity crisis.

Ben Supple, RZSS director of engagement and business development, said, “With more than a million species at risk of extinction, we must act now to halt and reverse the loss of biodiversity.

“We all have a role to play as individuals and in our communities, which is why we are developing Scotland’s Wildlife Discovery Centre at Highland Wildlife Park.

“A network of three hubs around the park will bring to life the challenges facing wildlife in Scotland and around the world. Crucially, we will also focus on the opportunities to protect nature and the actions we can take in our everyday lives.”

Beauly-based Simpson Builders have been appointed to build discovery, learning and hilltop hubs at the park, which are expected to open in spring 2024.

Construction work has started on the main discovery hub, which will use innovative digital technology to immerse people in stories of Scotland’s wildlife, past, present and future. The building of a learning hub is also underway and will enable visitors, groups and communities to learn about wildlife conservation through STEM, outdoor learning and citizen science, which will promote action.

Over the course of the year, the attraction will develop a hilltop hub, with views of the wildcat conservation breeding for release centre, providing an ideal opportunity to tell the story of why wildcats in Scotland are on the brink of extinction and how RZSS and partners are working together to save the species.

The Scotland’s Wildlife Discovery Centre project will also involve the refurbishment of Highland Wildlife Park’s existing visitor centre and seven dedicated staff delivering on site learning opportunities and community outreach programmes.

RZSS have raised over £5 million towards the development, with funders including the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Natural and Cultural Heritage Fund led by NatureScot and part-funded through the European Development Fund, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the Postcode Planet Trust, the SSE Renewables Sustainable Development Fund and the Hugh Fraser Foundation.

Main image of an interpretation of the Discovery Hub at Scotland’s Wildlife Discovery Centre credit: RZSS