Stratford-upon-Avon Butterfly Farm will celebrate its 35th birthday this Friday (24 July) – and although the celebrations will be low key, the gates will be open to warmly welcome visitors back.

The attraction reopened safely on 4 July in accordance with COVID-19 government guidelines and social distancing measures, and while the farm was temporarily closed the team were busy using their creative skills to build a new and exciting Maya-themed display. Visitors will also be able to see a recreation of an ancient Maya temple, and throughout the farm there are now more than 30 replicated ancient Maya artefacts.

There will also be an opportunity to win an annual family season ticket, Visitor Guide and the ‘Amazing Butterfly’ children’s activity book by entering a celebratory competition on the butterfly farm’s Facebook page that will run over the birthday weekend.

The creation of the Butterfly Farm was the passion of internationally renowned lepidopterist, Clive Farrell. Over 35 years ago Clive, who owns the Butterfly Farm, had a dream to create an attraction that would introduce visitors to the wonderment of butterflies. This dream became a reality in July 1985 when Stratford-upon-Avon Butterfly Farm opened its gates to the public. The farm was officially opened on 24 July 1985 by late botanist and naturalist, David Bellamy OBE.

Clive’s fascination with butterflies and nature began when he was five years old after finding a hairy caterpillar in his garden. He put it in a matchbox where it spun a cocoon and watched it emerge as a beautiful Tiger Moth. It was a magical moment that stayed with him. It is Clive’s hope that a visit to the Butterfly Farm will create such memorable moments for other generations to experience and be inspired by. Now 35 years on the Farm remains the UK’s largest and most successful butterfly farm.

Jane Kendrick, Marketing Manager at Stratford Butterfly Farm said, “We are thrilled to be celebrating our 35th birthday and look forward to welcoming our visitors who I’m sure will be delighted with all the improvements we have made during lockdown. Along with our new Maya display and new look reception, visitors can see and admire around 2,000 free flying individual butterflies along with tropical birds, fish, plants, and other animals.”

There will be several safety measures in place within the Butterfly Farm & Gift Shop including screens in front of the till, hand sanitiser stations, social distancing reminders and markers, one-way entrance and exit, contactless payments encouraged and enhanced cleaning. New daily capacity limits will be in place to ensure social distancing and provide the best possible visitor experience. Advance tickets will be available to book by calling 01789 299288. Lines open 9.30AM - 5.45PM

For more information, please visit the website at www.butterflyfarm.co.uk or call 01789 299288.