Flagship APHA facility marks 50 years of wildlife science

The Animal and Plant Health Agency’s (APHA’s) National Wildlife Management Centre at Woodchester Park in Gloucestershire is marking 50 years of wildlife science protecting animals, humans, and the environment.

The centre brings together scientists, vets, ecologists and pathologists working at the intersection of wildlife health, farm animal health, human health and environmental protection.

The work carried out over the last half century has spanned some of the most pressing challenges facing nature and agriculture. This includes developing badger vaccination programmes to protect wildlife and livestock from bovine TB, monitoring emerging diseases in wildlife before they can impact farming or public health, tracking environmental threats from pollutants and toxins, and tackling invasive non-native species.

Over 75% of emerging diseases originate from animals, meaning the centre is at the heart of APHA’s work to protect human and wildlife health with scientists taking a “One Health” approach working closely with the UK Health Security Agency.

The government’s work to maintain biosecurity and protect the country from potentially devastating diseases helps avoid significant economic costs. APHA also contributes to large-scale research into the effects of climate change on diseases and biodiversity, working in collaboration with universities and institutions globally. 

Animal and Plant Health Agency Chief Executive Richard Lewis said

50 years of wildlife science at Woodchester Park is a remarkable milestone, with this work shaping how we understand the interconnections between animal, human and environmental health.

I am proud of everything our teams have achieved, and how the agency continues to inform how we protect wildlife, agriculture and people across the country.

To mark the anniversary, APHA has partnered with Wild in Art and the National Trust to bring its science to life through a reimagining of Wind in the Willows as a contemporary tale.

A trail of larger than life-sized sculptures of Toad, Mole, Ratty the Water Vole and Badger will be used to explore modern-day wildlife conservation, encouraging visitors to become “Wildlife Warriors”. This comes alongside a packed programme of events, exhibitions and educational activities throughout the year.

Jonny Loose, General Manager, Cotswolds Countryside Property Group, National Trust

We’re really excited to be hosting the Wind in the Willows trail at Woodchester Park as part of APHA’s 50th year celebration – a sculpture trail which we’re sure will bring visitors of all ages together.

A big theme in the story is enjoying time in nature, and Woodchester Park is a great place to do just that. The artwork on the sculptures includes some lovely details, some of which you may miss the first time around – all helping us to think about the importance of caring for plants and wildlife.

Charlie Langhorne, Managing Director and Co-founder, Wild in Art, said

We are delighted to be partnering with APHA and the National Trust to bring the Wind in the Willows sculpture trail to the beautiful and inspiring setting of Woodchester Park as part of APHA’s 50th celebrations. This partnership is a brilliant example of how creativity can inspire learning and connect people with important issues in an inclusive and memorable way.

The sculptures have been transformed by professional artists, who were challenged to tell an important story through art – exploring how wildlife, farming, people and the environment are all interconnected. We hope they will spark curiosity, inspire conversation and create meaningful moments of connection for people of all ages.

Find out more about the Wind in the Willows Trail at Tinkley Gate via this link

Additional information

• The Wind in the Willows Trail, produced in partnership with Wild in Art and the National Trust, launched at Anglesey Abbey on 28 March, and has now moved to Woodchester Park until 28 June
• Wild in Art is producing a Family Activity Book which will be available in visitor gift shops, downloadable activity sheets, and a set of Paint Your Own Badger, Mole, Toad and Ratty the Water Vole figurines, giving visitors the opportunity to create their own memento of the trail.
• Wild in Art’s mission is to take art out of the gallery and make it accessible to all.
• Stroud’s Museum in the Park (Stratford Park, Stroud) has worked with APHA to develop a photographic exhibition showcasing iconic wildlife images that reflect the Agency’s work. The community in Stroud has supported APHA’s National Wildlife Management Centre for five decades, providing a base and landscape for studying wildlife.