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Trafalgar Square to be transformed into wildlife haven01/04/2011 18:39:29
The plan to revolutionize Trafalgar Square. April 1 2011. Leading nature conservation charity the RSPB plans to create a giant nature park in Trafalgar Square, to mark the UN target of reversing declines in wildlife across the world by 2020. The proposals for Trafalgar Square see Nelson's column as the central pillar of a giant rainforest biome, surrounded by extensive wildlife gardens and wildflower meadows. The open spaces of the square will be designated as nature recreation areas, dotted with giant screens relaying 3D wildlife spectacles. These will consist of dramatic live wildlife footage from the RSPB's UK network of over 200 nature reserves and its flagship overseas projects, including rainforest restoration schemes in Sumatra and Sierra Leone, plus its projects to save endangered wildlife in Kazakhstan and albatrosses in the southern oceans. RSPB spokesman Paul Lewis said: "We all have to step up if we are to meet the 2020 targets for saving nature. A healthy natural environment is crucial to our physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing and also has significant, well documented economic benefits. "To mark our ambitions for 2020, we want visitors to Trafalgar Square to enjoy parrots, penguins and polar bears, as opposed to pigeons. It's going to be an inspiring, interactive experience with a mix of digital, hands on and real life components. "We've held very positive talks with both the Government and the Mayor's office and our backers are ready with a multi-million pound funding package." Bullring in Birmingham and Princes Street in Edinburgh "For far too long our city centres have turned a blind eye to the value of inspiring a close relationship with nature," said Mr Lewis. "Young people living in urban areas are increasingly isolated from opportunities to enjoy nature. Our natureparks aim to redress the balance by putting nature at the heart of city centre life." The project backers include a businessman, a rock star, a computer entrepreneur, a high street retailer and a leading leisure experience provider. Full details will be revealed at the launch of an exhibition showcasing the project later this year.
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Read the comments about this article and leave your own comment
I completely agree that there are lots of children being brought up in the city that never get the opportunity to experience wildlife but this idea from the RSPB of putting a rainforest in central cities, including screens and captive animals is barbaric! How will that help children experience the real natural world?! It will allow them to think animals living in cages is normal and won't teach them that rainforests don;t occur in Britain! They should be making city nature reserves instead that has information on the range of species for them to look out for, including perhaps reintroducing animals extinct from that area that were once found there and nature hides etc.
Posted by: Nicola | 22 Jun 2011 13:55:46
Although this idea sounds rather strange ı think it is a good ıdea as it will enable a great number of people to see what nature there is, as well as informing them of the tracic loss of forests and wildlife in many parts of the world.
Posted by: colin guest | 02 Apr 2011 12:34:52
What a stupid idea, the modern day version of the old Victorian collectors thinking they are doing good while they wreck the natural environment. That future pic looks hideous. Rainforest in the centre of London? 3D TVs, now there's a natural part of the environment, what a silly joke!
How about re planting a completly natural and native woodland instead, re introduce some lost native birds and maybe even a Bumble Bee or 2, in the process re creating a peaceful piece of lost history in the centre of London and kick those silly TVs to the curb!
Posted by: N. Martin | 02 Apr 2011 00:39:20
The RSPB are out of control at the best of times, but this MUST be an April's Fool wind up! Surely? Please!
Posted by: Mark Fisher | 01 Apr 2011 10:44:51