Day out: Meet the new arrivals at the British Wildlife Centre

By dmorris

It's been a busy season for the British Wildlife Centre near Lingfield, which has welcomed lots of baby animals into the world.

Otter cubs, badger cubs, a fox cub, red deer calves, young red squirrel kits and a snowy owl chick have all been born this spring and summer.

The otter and badger cubs were even stars on BBC's Springwatch programme when footage of them was shown to viewers.

The British Wildlife Centre, located in the heart of east Surrey's countryside, is a great place to see and learn all about Britain's own native wildlife.

It is home to more than 40 species, from harvest mice to deer and from snakes to Scottish wild cats, all living in attractive natural settings.

The keepers can be found wandering around with a variety of birds of prey, including a buzzard, a kestrel, a young eagle owl and Hedwig the snowy owl chick.

Keeper talks and feeding sessions take place every half hour from 10.30am onwards so you have the chance to see the animals up close and learn all about them.

So let's meet the latest additions to the British Wildlife Centre's collection of native wildlife...

Otter cubs

Stirling and Thistle the otters are proud parents to three new otter cubs born in early May.

Mum and dad have been busy teaching the babies how to swim so watch out for them practising their water skills in the pond.

Stirling and Thistle joined the centre from Scotland at Christmas.

Bubble and Squeak the badger cubs

Humbug the badger is mum to two cubs named Bubble and Squeak – who love having their backs scratched by the keepers.

You can see them with the adults in the observation badger sett.

If you're lucky they may come out for the badger talks at 3.30pm so you can see them outside in daylight.

Red squirrel kits

The young red squirrel kits are very cute as they scamper around their enclosures.

There has been a number of red squirrel litters this year. The animals will be moved out to a new red squirrel enclosure which is being built in the Copse area and due to open next year.

The British red squirrel has become more rare having been driven away by the grey squirrel which was introduced to Britain 125 years ago.

Red deer calves

Eight red deer calves are now out and about in the Deer Park. Red deer are Britain's largest native land mammal and, together with the roe deer, are our only native deer species.

Hedwig the snowy owl chick

If you're a Harry Potter fan you are sure to be keen to meet Hedwig the snowy owl chick, named after the famous character in the stories – although his feathers aren't a very snowy colour yet! A keeper will be taking Hedwig around occasionally so you may have the chance to get up close and say hello.

Luna the fox cub

Luna the fox cub is loved by visitors. She get's bigger each day and is as playful as ever. The keeper may bring her out on several occasions during the summer.

The lowdown

Where: British Wildlife Centre, Eastbourne Road (A22), Newchapel, Lingfield, Surrey, RH7 6LF

Phone: 01342 834658

Web: www.britishwildlifecentre.co.uk

Open dates: Daily until Sunday, September 6 (then every weekend until end of October and autumn half term)

Open times: 10am to 5pm (last admissions 4pm)

Prices: Adults £9, pensioners £8, children (three to 15) £7, family (two adults and two children) £30

Eating and drinking: Coffee shop (for sandwiches, drinks and snacks) and picnic areas - you can bring their own food to eat in the picnic areas and coffee shop

Other information: Wheelchair accessible, large car park, gift shop

Get there: The centre is on the A22 in Surrey, 10 minutes south of the M25 junction 6 (Godstone). Nearest railway stations are Lingfield and East Grinstead, and from there it is a short taxi ride.

Deborah Morris

Photos: British Wildlife Centre