Butterfly World Zoos

After a winter packed full of developments, Butterfly World near St Albans is ready to open its wings and amaze visitors this Spring. From 29th April 2010, phase II of this ever-evolving project, due to complete in 2011 with the opening of the massive biodome *, will be open for all to see with a new butterfly breeding house, an insect study centre, gardens and a chrysalis shaped lake, home to hundreds of plants and mini-beasts, in addition to all the other fantastic features on offer from last year. It will provide a fun, exciting and educational day for all the family.

Butterfly World, dubbed London's Eden Project, offers over 600 exquisite fluttering tropical butterflies, 12 inspiring individual gardens designed by some of Europe's best-known designers, three gardens designed by celebrated garden designer Ivan Hicks, and 20 acres of stunning wildflower meadows brimming with colour, butterflies, bees and moths.

An official Blue Peter badge partner, a visit to Butterfly World provides the ideal family activity. In addition to last year's insect's eye view garden in 'Through the Flowerpot Garden', the 'bonkers' 'Spangle Gall Garden' and the 'Theatre of Insects' which shows how even the strangest of man-made objects can become an insect's new home; children that flutter by to Butterfly World can also meet a life-sized Very Hungry Caterpillar who sits in his very own garden made of colourful caterpillar attracting plants. Eric Carle's infamous caterpillar also has his very own Solardome, and children can have fun in the new play zone and spot the Boatmen skimming the Chrysalis Lake.

Butterfly World, backed by Professor David Bellamy, Sir David Attenborough and actress Emilia Fox, is designed in the shape of a butterfly's head and set within 27 acres of land just off the M25. It is an on-going project dedicated to the conservation of butterflies, providing scientific research and a unique educational but fun experience that the whole family can enjoy. *In the Autumn 2011, the massive biome (100 m diameter) will open, filled with 10,000 tropical butterflies, Maya ruins, caves, streams and rope walkways. It will be a living rainforest just off the M25.