A FAMILY PASS FOR BLAIR DRUMMOND SAFARI PARK
The Observer has teamed up with
Blair Drummond Safari Park once again to offer readers the chance to win a family pass for two adults and two children each week - and learn a bit more about their residents at the same time.
On March 3 people around the world celebrated World Wildlife Day.
The event is intended to act as a day to celebrate and raise awareness of the world’s wild animals and plants.
Blair Drummond Safari Park is of course home to animals from all over the world, from giraffes to penguins.
However, they are also passionate about Scotland’s native species.
The grounds are home to all sorts of wonderful critters including pine martens, frogs and hedgehogs.
You may even have been lucky enough to spot one of the adorable red squirrels that live on site.
Currently, it is estimated that there are only around 140,000 red squirrels left in the UK, compared to 2.5 million grey squirrels. Red squirrels are our native species, while grey squirrels were only introduced to the UK in the 1800s.
For several years, Blair Drummond has worked alongside Saving
Scotland’s Red Squirrels to increase their population and encourage their dispersal.
One way of doing this was by building red-only nesting and feeding boxes and placing them around the estate.
This ensures that the safari park’s grounds are more hospitable and accessible to red squirrels. Research also shows that living alongside pine martens can help in the conservation of red squirrels.
There are many small actions everyone can all take to support local wildlife such as creating safe spaces for animals by building shelters such as hedgehog houses, nest boxes and insect hotels.
A safari park spoksperson said: “Allowing some or all of your garden to rewild is extremely beneficial too, providing food sources for many insects including bees, butterflies and moths.
“Here at the park, we promise to do our best to provide a safe haven for our native flora and fauna.”
For a chance to win a family pass, which can be used any one day during the park’s opening season this year, just answer the following
Answer: Name: Address: question: How many red squirrels are left in the UK?
Send the coupon with your answer, name, address and contact number to: Safari Park Competition, Stirling Observer, One Central Quay, Glasgow, G3 9DA.
The deadline is Tuesday at 4pm. Only original vouchers will be accepted, no photocopies.