A CROWDFUNDER initiative set up to accelerate plans to open a Wildlife Park in Redditch has received more than £40,000 in pledges during its first week.
And Martin Blyth, the local man behind the project – first featured in The Standard, says he has been overwhelmed by the level of support for the idea.
“Since our launch last week we’ve received an extraordinary number of messages and letters from Redditch residents who can’t wait to hear more about our plans.
“We’ve also received messages of support from around the globe from Ethiopia to South Africa and Brazil to Spain.
“We genuinely believe that it is about time that Redditch put itself back on the map and I thank everyone for the support that we have received to date.”
He added that plans were already advanced and hopes were high a detailed plan could be put before the borough’s planning committee in just two to three months.
“What we are trying to get across is that we are already six months down the line,” said Martin.
“We have been looking to do this for the last three years and we are just waiting for the green light from Redditch.”
Heart of England Wildlife Park is offering supporters who pledge at least £35 to its crowdfunding scheme the opportunity to ‘Join the Pack’ and be able to vote on key decisions such as which animals are chosen and which conservation projects to support in the wild.
If all goes to plan it is hoped that endangered zebra, ostriches and meerkats will arrive at Heart of England Wildlife Park in Redditch by Easter 2021.
• You can find more information on the crowdfunding initiative visit https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/ and key in Heart of England Wildlife Park under Explore.
