Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre facts for kids
The Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre is a fun museum located in southern Shropshire, near the town of Craven Arms. It's a great place to learn about the amazing Shropshire Hills, which is a special area known for its beautiful nature.
The centre helps visitors discover the history, geography, and living things (biology) of this unique area. It's a perfect spot for families and students to explore and learn!
Exploring the Discovery Centre
The museum has exciting exhibitions that bring the Shropshire Hills to life. You can see a huge, life-sized model of a mammoth, which is an ancient elephant-like animal! There's also an Iron Age roundhouse, which shows how people lived thousands of years ago. You can even watch a film about the area, including cool drone footage that gives you a bird's-eye view.
Besides the main exhibition, the centre also has a gallery where you can see art made by local artists. If you're looking for a souvenir, there's a gift shop. Plus, there's a crafts room for creative activities and a café if you get hungry or thirsty.
More than a million people have visited the Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre since it first opened in 2001. A local charity called Grow Cook Learn manages the building. It was originally set up as a special project to help boost tourism in the area.
Discovering Onny Meadows
Right next to the Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre are the beautiful Onny Meadows. These meadows are part of the centre's efforts to teach people about the Shropshire Hills and the countryside. The meadows get their name from the River Onny, which flows along the edge of this 11-acre site.
The Onny Meadows are filled with planted wildflowers, hedgerows, and areas of trees. A group of dedicated volunteers helps to look after the meadows, making sure they stay beautiful and healthy.
Fun Activities and Wildlife
The Discovery Centre and Onny Meadows often host different events. These can include guided walks where an expert shows you around, or talks where you can learn more about the area. There are also walking paths that are easy to use, even for wheelchairs. You can take short strolls around the site or go on longer circular routes that start and end at the centre.
The team at the centre is always working to make Onny Meadows even better for wildlife. In 2024, they opened a new wetland area. This special spot helps to attract and support many different kinds of animals and plants. You can visit this wetland area and use a hide or screen to quietly watch the wildlife without disturbing them. It's a fantastic opportunity to see nature up close!
