Dundee Science Centre

Walk on the Wild Side

From tiny garden birds to six-tonne elephants, climate change has a huge impact on the world’s wildlife.

However, mid-term activities at Dundee Science Centre will show that each and every one of us can make a difference to the welfare of our wild friends.

From Thursday 10 until Sunday 20 February 2020, Dundee Science Centre will be transformed into a range of different habitats to showcase animals of air, land and sea, with a host of different activities to empower local families to ‘do their bit’.

Brilliant Biosphere will include everything from ocean climate science experiments to an interactive wildlife trail, where visitors can search for their favourite animals around the centre, finding out about the risks facing wildlife, how different animals camouflage to survive, and how habitats face destruction due to rising tides. The RSPB will also attend on a number of days to guide visitors on the steps they can take to protect our local feathered friends.

Young visitors can also make their own bird feeders and animal masks, while learning about birdhouses and birdbaths in the centre’s new outdoor area to the rear of the centre. Footage and pictures from Regional Wildlife Centres such as The Scottish Deer Centre in Fife and the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre will also be on display.

Meanwhile, Dundee Science Centre is also getting local pupils involved in this climate initiative by sending out science kits to over 30 primary schools across Dundee and Angus. These kits will contain materials and guides for students to make their own birdhouse and birdfeeders as well as insights into the small steps families can take to protect the wildlife on the doorstep.

Joining families in their visit today was Dundee-based Maurice Golden. The North East representative has campaigned consistently for animal rights and improved wildlife laws since becoming an MSP in 2016. As well as raising the profile of environmental causes and issues concerning climate change, Mr Golden is also in the process of tabling a Bill for a change in legislation at Holyrood in relation to the protection of animals.

He said, “I’m delighted to visit Dundee Science Centre to see the brilliant work that goes on here. It’s so important that places like this highlight the challenges that are facing the whole world just now. The science centre is uniquely placed to educate people of all ages across Dundee and the wider area about the issues facing our planet. But it’s particularly important that young people and future generations are better informed, and this latest work will help do exactly that. And as a Dundee MSP, it will be another opportunity for me to be reminded just how lucky we are to have a facility like this on our doorstep.”

Carlene Cura, Development and Fundraising Advisor, Dundee Science Centre said, “We can’t wait to welcome our visitors on this wildlife experience throughout February mid-term, where they can not only marvel at the wonderful range of species that live on our planet but also understand the impact climate change is having on these amazing birds and animals.  We’re not just talking about the species we see on wildlife documentaries but also the birds in our own parks and gardens here in and around Dundee, exploring the small steps we can all take to protect them and their environments going forwards.  Extending our mid-term activities into schools is also an important step for us and will add a fantastic new dimension to our young people’s learning, and their habits going forwards.”

Tickets for Brilliant Biosphere are £4.50 for children (aged between 3-15) and £3.50 for Infants (aged 1-2). All other prices remain as standard.

For more information, visit www.dundeesciencecentre.org.uk

ENDS