Date opened 2009 Memberships Butterfly World Trust Area 11 ha Date closed 2015 | Land area 27 acres (11 ha) Opened 2009 Phone +44 1727 869203 | |
Major exhibits Tropical Butterfly House, Ant World, Insect Study Website Butterfly World Project Similar Royal National Rose Soc, Verulamium Park, Clock Tower - St Albans, Shaw's Corner, Verulamium Museum Profiles | ||
The Butterfly World Project was a developing visitor attraction in the village of Chiswell Green, on the outskirts of St Albans in Hertfordshire, UK, dedicated to showcasing and promoting learning about butterflies.
Contents
Launch
The project was started by lepidopterist Clive Farrell, and was launched in 2008 at the Royal Society in London. Farrell secured a number of high-profile patrons for the scheme, including naturalists Sir David Attenborough and Professor David Bellamy, gardener and broadcaster Alan Titchmarsh, actress Emilia Fox, and barrister and politician Baroness Helena Kennedy.
The site at Chiswell Green is adjacent to the Gardens of the Rose and construction has been underway since 2009. Four phases of development are planned. Terra Firma landscape architects worked with client Clive Farrell, artist and garden designer Ivan Hicks and Chrysalis Architects on the project masterplan and detailed proposals.
Opening
The Butterfly World site has been open to the public since spring 2009.
Phase I
The site comprised a butterfly-shaped chalk garden, wildflower meadows designed to provide a habitat for butterflies, a shop, cafe and plant boutique.
Phase II
In phase 2, a breeding centre was opened, together with an artificial lake in the shape of a chrysalis, a study centre, picnic areas and a children's play area. The cafe and visitor centre was also enlarged and upgraded. 250,000 sunflowers were planted in the field that will eventually host the rainforest biome.
Phase III
Plans for the third phase of development included the opening of a leafcutter ant exhibition, as well as expansion of the children's play area and a redevelopment of the butterfly house and designer gardens.
Phase IV
The final phase of development will see the construction of a 100-metre-wide rainforest biome, which will provide a habitat for butterflies as well as hummingbirds, insects, spiders and tropical plants. The biome will include a public walkway, caves and watercourses to explore.
Closure and the campaign to save Butterfly World
On 14 December 2015 the current owners Breheny Construction announced that the project would close permanently.
Within hours efforts to save the project had started and two internet petitions had been launched. The major one has now attracted over 53,000 signatures from across the globe.
On 10 January 2016 the Save Butterfly World campaign was launched. It has since obtained charitable status and seeks to continue the work of the project going forward.