Askham Bryan Wildlife and Conservation Park shortlisted for a prestigious award

Askham Bryan Wildlife and Conservation Park has been shortlisted for the Great British Wildlife Restoration competition, a prestigious scheme that recognises the incredible work being done to restore native species in the country.

The Great British Wildlife Restoration, has been organised by BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums) to shine a spotlight on some of the amazing work taking place to tackle the drastic decline of our native species and will urge politicians to act now for our nature.

Askham Bryan Wildlife and Conservation Park joins 22 other shortlisted projects. Collectively these projects have helped thousands of animals, habitats and ecosystems, as well as inspiring thousands of people with their stories. Species being helped include beavers, harvest mice and rare moths! Askham Bryan Wildlife and Conservation Park is undertaking a project focused on conserving the Tansy Beetle, often referred to as ‘The Jewel of York’.

“We are honoured to be shortlisted for the prestigious ‘Great British Wildlife Restoration Award’ for our work on tansy beetle conservation. This project, just like our other native restoration projects, is very dear to us. The awards exist to recognise the excellent work that our zoos and wildlife parks do to preserve native species and their habitats, and we are grateful for our work with this remarkable beetle to be highlighted”

Luke Durston, Animal Park Keeper.

Andy Hall, BIAZA’s Communications and Public Affairs Manager and the founder of the Great British Wildlife Restoration said: “The shortlist shows the depth and breadth of work going on in our great British zoos and aquariums to save the nature on our doorstep. We need to recognise and reward this incredible work and I hope politicians of all stripes will get behind these awards.”

As a shortlisted project Askham Bryan Wildlife and Conservation Park will be invited to a special awards evening at the House of the Speaker of the House of Commons in January. The winner will have received the most votes from supportive Members of Parliament or Members of the House of Lords. The awards will be taking place on Tuesday 21st January 2025, 18:00 till 20:00.

If you want to find out more about the conservation work that happens at Askham Bryan Wildlife and Conservation Park we are open to the public at weekends and in school holidays, come and visit us!