21st August, 2010 - make a date for Butterfly World, St Albans
Many of us at Spielplatz have been watching the development of the Butterfly World Project just across the A405 from Lye Lane, with some purchasing season tickets so we can stroll and enjoy the gardens at different times of the year.
The whole ethos of the project is so in tune with my concept of naturism and I am so excited that we are going to be involved and hope that our relationship continues for years to come. The project is a works in progress but eventually the centrepiece will be a massive biome 100 metres in diameter and with 10,000 butterflies, humming birds, tropical plants and other insects. The final phase of the construction of the biome should take place in Autumn 2011 when there will be the creation of walkways, Mayan caves, streams and even tropical storms! And it is not just the large tropical butterflies (some of which are housed in a large greenhouse at the moment) but our own native species this project aims to help. There are wild flower meadows with picnic areas as well as designer gardens which have all been planted to help our native butterflies, bees and insects. Some are quirky, others stylish and they all mix together to give you a great evening wandering around them as bare as you wish. The restaurant will be open and hopefully also the shop.
For those travelling from a distance there is a choice of naturist clubs where you may be able to stay overnight.
Spielplatz is obviously the closest but Sunfolk Society (camping only) and Five Acres are just a little further away.
The clubs have only just been advised of the event as I write so hopefully they will take advantage of it to perhaps put on some extra activities so people can make a weekend or even longer in this are.
Details for travelling to Spielplatz are on our diary page. Our evening starts from 6pm until 9pm, by which time the butterflies will be sleeping. We are being charged the group booking rate which is adults £5.00, concessions (over 60s/students with valid ID) £4.00, children (3-16) £3.00, under 3s free.
There are facilities to change in the insect study centre, just across from which are lockers (normally used by school parties for packed lunches, bags etc).
For more information their website is http://www.butterflyworldproject.com
Butterfly World Project is easily reached by both public and private transport.
By road: Exit the M25 at junction 21a, or the M1 at junction 6 and head towards the A405 towards St Albans. Take the first left (Noke Lane) before the Noke roundabout. The entrance to Butterfly World is on your right.
By train: Take a train to St Albans Station. Trains from Brighton and St Pancras stop at this station. Take a taxi to Butterfly World or get the 621 or 724 bus to the Three Hammers pub, turn left into Chiswell Green Lane and walk for about 10 minutes to reach the pedestrian entrance on your left hand side.
By bus: Buses 621, 724 and 321 stop close to Butterfly World. The 712 bus from London Victoria to St Albans Railway Station diverts into Butterfly World. The 621 and 724 will take you to the Three Hammers pub, turn left into Chiswell Green Lane and walk for about 10 minutes. The pedestrian entrance is on your left hand side. The 321 will drop you off on the A405. Turn left into Noke Lane and take the first right for the entrance to Butterfly World. It is a 5-10 minute walk to the main entrance.
See you all there!
Suzanne
