Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary Unveils the Little Explorers Zone

Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary today announced the grand opening of its Little Explorers Zone, a new, hands-on play-and-learn space designed to spark children’s curiosity about Barbados’ wetlands and wildlife. The family-friendly Zone opens to the public on Wedneday, 11 October, and adds a dynamic, kid-focused experience to the Sanctuary’s trails, aviaries, and environmental education programmes.

The Little Explorers Zone turns learning into an adventure,” said Geoffrey Roach, General Manager of Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary. “Our little ones are so excited to visit the Sanctuary and it’s amazing to watch them interact with the attractions, the Little Explorers Zone is a sensory wonder where children can touch, try, and just play, its an opportunity for little ones to get outside and enjoy nature and learn.”

Designed for children roughly ages 3–10 (with supervision), the Little Explorers Kids Zone features:

Interactive, nature-themed play areas that encourage movement, observation, and imagination
Simple discovery activities that connect to the Sanctuary’s birds, mangroves, and ponds
Special programming to help little explorers understand the world of wetlands, mangroves and nature.

“The Explorers Kids Zone brings the magic of nature to life for little ones,” said Wendy Storey Marketing Officer at Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary. “It’s designed to spark curiosity, inspire repeat visits, and make learning about our environment fun and meaningful for children and parents alike.”

Details
Operating Time: Open during Sanctuary hours (Wednesdays- Sunday 9am -4:30pm and Sundays 10am-5:30pm)
Location: Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary, Christ Church, Barbados
Admission: Regular Sanctuary admission applies (Visitor/Local/Child pricing as per current schedule). Capacity is limited. All Children must be accompanied by an adult.
About Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary

Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary is Barbados’ premier wetland reserve, home to red and white mangrove forests, migratory and native bird species, and immersive visitor experiences including interpretive trails, guided tours, bird aviaries, and habitat restoration and monitoring initiatives. The Sanctuary champions environmental education, community engagement, and the protection of one of the island’s most important ecosystems.

Media Contact

Wendy Storey
Marketing Officer, Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary
Phone: 246-435-9727
Email: marketing@graemehall.com
Web: www.graemehall.com

Uniting for Conservation: A New Partnership to Protect Parrots and Preserve Natural Habitats

Bridgetown, Barbados / North Yorkshire, United Kingdom – 6th October 2025 – Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary and Morndyke Parrot Sanctuary are proud to announce a collaborative partnership aimed at advancing wildlife conservation, public education, and species rehabilitation efforts, with a special focus on endangered and rescued parrot species.

This international collaboration brings together two organizations dedicated to environmental stewardship and animal welfare. By combining the ecological expertise and wetland preservation mission of Graeme Hall with Morndyke’s hands-on experience in the rescue, care, and rehabilitation of parrots, the partnership will enable both sanctuaries to share resources, improve welfare standards, and amplify their impact on global conservation issues.

Key Goals of the Collaboration Include:

Joint Research and Conservation Projects focused on parrot species threatened by habitat loss, climate change, and the illegal pet trade.
Shared Educational Programs for local and international visitors, raising awareness about the ecological importance of parrots and the ecosystems they inhabit.
Cross-Sanctuary Volunteer & Training Opportunities, empowering staff and volunteers through knowledge exchange and on-the-ground experiences.
Development of a Rescue and Release Protocol tailored to tropical and subtropical environments, ensuring rescued parrots have the best chance at long-term survival.

“Parrots are not only brilliant and charismatic creatures, they are indicators of forest health and biodiversity,” said Anthony Da Silva from Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary. “This partnership allows us to protect not just birds, but entire ecosystems.”

“At Morndyke, we’ve seen firsthand the damage the pet trade, illegal trafficking and habitat destruction cause. Working with Graeme Hall allows us to scale up our efforts and contribute to broader conservation outcomes,” said Tricia Phillips, founder of Morndyke Parrot Sanctuary.

This partnership will be rolled out in phases over the coming year, beginning with virtual workshops and followed by coordinated fieldwork, research exchanges, and joint fundraising initiatives.

 

Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary – A Reserve by the Barbados Wetlands Trust

Located in Barbados; a wetland ecosystem, red and white mangrove forest, with migratory and native bird species, and other attractions including the Barbados green monkey, reptiles, arachnids and amphibians.
Includes walk through bird aviaries, for example many parrots species (including Amazon and African Grey parrots).
The Sanctuary is committed to habitat restoration, ecological monitoring, and community engagement, inspiring both locals and visitors to appreciate and protect one of Barbados’ most important ecological treasures.

Morndyke Parrot Sanctuary

Located in North Yorkshire, UK; rescues and rehabilitates parrots; focuses on the welfare of unwanted, abused and illegally trafficked parrots.
Large aviary facilities (indoor and outdoor) with enrichment, choice for the birds (flight, ability to roam, etc.).
Key focus is on education – both the public and students. We run parrot experiences that focus on conservation issues and we offer placements to students to further their knowledge of, and confidence in parrot welfare and care.
A charity, capable of outreach, education, community involvement; links with other parrot rescues and established volunteer networks.

For more information, please contact:

Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary
www.graemehall.com

info@graemehall.com

Morndyke Parrot Sanctuary

morndykeparrotsanctuary.org.uk

Contact@morndykeparrotsanctuary.org.uk

Graeme Hall Sanctuary reopens after 16 years

16-year closure has ended as the Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary reopens its gates, offering Barbadians renewed access to the island’s only internationally recognised wetland and marking a significant moment for national conservation efforts.