The National Wildflower Centre is a seasonal eco-visitor attraction in Knowsley which began in 1975. Its trustees issued a statement on Thursday saying:
“Finances have been increasingly challenging during this time of continuing austerity and it is with great sadness that its Trustees have decided to wind down all business operations by February 2017. During these challenging times Trustees and staff are exploring with partners opportunities to secure a legacy for the National Wildflower Centre that sustains its valuable activities, assets and values including the:
- Creative conservation that has demonstrated the value of restoring wild places for people and nature;
- Trail blazing community projects such as Great Outdoors & Tale of Two Cities promoting the value of wildflowers & green spaces for health and wellbeing in Knowsley, Liverpool, Manchester and beyond;
- Inspiring wildflower meadow displays providing a valuable connection to nature;
- Wildflower seed business.
- Award-winning buildings which house the Cornflower Café, a welcoming place to relax and unwind, and conference facilities.
Trustees are supporting its valued staff through this difficult time whether they wish to find work elsewhere, establish their own social enterprise or take a well-earned rest!”
So sad to hear of it’s closure as if I were teaching in Liverpool,where my career began it would have been on my curriculum of stimulating places to visit. No doubt an element of local government services cuts is involved. Our near neighbour Lancashire County Council is currently decimating a wide range of valued services including many museums and country ranger activities.
Are we really such a poor country now ?