From April to September, the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s (SWT) local Jupiter Urban Wildlife Centre in Grangemouth will open its doors from 10.00 am to 5 pm every Monday to Saturday. This marks a regular change in weekend opening hours for the Centre which, since 2006, has only been open to the public occasionally at weekends for special events.
Jupiter is a popular Falkirk attraction to both visitors and locals alike, which is estimated to draw in around 4,000 visitors each year. The extended opening hours is part of a bid to appeal to even more visitors over spring and summer-time this year.
Formerly an industrial site, the area has been transformed into an urban wildlife reserve by the SWT and is now made up of a series of wildlife gardens including visitor facilities and an indoor events room. Boasting a surprising range of habitats, visitors can explore meadows, wetlands and woodlands which all host a huge variety of wildlife.
SWT’s Jupiter Ranger Stephen Owen said: “Spring and summer are a great time to visit Jupiter so the introduction of our new opening hours couldn’t come at a better time. Right now at Jupiter the woods are filled with bird song and there are colourful spreads of wildflowers all over. As things begin to warm up, the next couple of months become even more exciting. Frogs and toads are just beginning to wake from hibernation and soon summer visitors such as tiny willow warblers will be arriving after a long trip from their winter retreat in Africa.
“But Jupiter is about more than wildlife. We want to engage people with wildlife and inspire them to learn more about nature and how they can help us to protect it. Our events programme runs throughout the year to help locals explore wildlife which can often be found right on their doorstep. Visitors can also take part in fun self-led activities at any time in the gardens. Pond dipping, sensory walk kits, bird watching, scavenger hunts, mini beast safaris and a tree trail are all on offer and are a great way to get to know the reserve and its wildlife better.
“SWT hope that with the extra weekend opening hours more people than ever will be able to enjoy the reserve. It will be fantastic to give people more opportunities to discover and spend time in this natural gem in the middle of Grangemouth.”
This summer is set to see some great new developments to the Jupiter project. Thanks to funding from Falkirk Environment Trust, plans are now underway to construct new ponds, seating areas, and even a BBQ pit within the gardens.
For more information about SWT’s Jupiter Urban Wildlife Centre, visit www.swt.org.uk or contact Stephen Owen, Jupiter Ranger on 01324 486475 or email jupiterranger@swt.org.uk
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Notes to Editors
1. Jupiter Urban Wildlife Centre is open Monday to Saturday, April – September from 10.00am – 5.00pm. From October – March Jupiter is open Monday – Friday 10.00am – 5.00pm (and at certain weekends for special events only). Admission is free. For more information, please call 01324 486475 or email jupiterranger@swt.org.uk
2. Jupiter is located north of the M9 between junctions 5 and 6. From Beancross Road turn north onto Newlands Road, then left onto Newhouse Road, left onto Wood Street, and Jupiter is on your right. Parking is available in front of the centre. There is no charge for visiting the reserve.
3. The reserve re-opened to the public in September 2006 after it was temporarily closed to allow site owners (KemFine Ltd) to redevelop existing buildings. A new education facility was put in place to enable local schools to use the site as a resource for educational visits.
4. SWT’s work at Jupiter Urban Wildlife Centre is generously supported by KemFine and Syngenta.
5. SWT is the largest voluntary body working for all the wildlife of Scotland, representing more than 35,000 members who care for wildlife and the environment. SWT seeks to raise public awareness of threatened habitats and species and manages over 120 reserves Scotland-wide.