The end of last week became very busy as half term got into full swing at the Centre. We have had reptile societies at the Centre every weekend in February so the weekends have been busier than normal and I have been in to ensure everything is running more smoothly.

I went on a pleasant walk around the grounds and viewed nesting Nene’s, had a walk around the canoe safari and what we can do to assist the Chilean flamingos to nest earlier – ideas have included putting bark on their nest site to help them create the nests. Usually they don’t lay their eggs until August but that means the young are trying to grow as it is getting colder and it makes it difficult for them to survive. In comparison we have a lot of success with the Greater Flamingos breeding so we are trying to use the same principle for the Chileans.

I have also started to look at new play equipment. The big project for 2011 is the design of a brand new play area at the Centre as the one we currently have is being revamped. We are hoping to do some research in the play area over the next two months asking parents and children what they like best about the play area and any ideas for new things to do. If you have any ideas please feel free to forward them to me in this diary. The hope is that we will be able to relaunch the play area early next year.