The Very Hungry Caterpillar SOLARDOME® takes flight at Butterfly World

Added on 27/03/2010

Butterfly World is a £27m project based on a 27-acre site in St Albans, Hertfordshire. Set to welcome over one million visitors a year, it will be a focus for conservation issues and cutting-edge scientific research and feature a spectacular transparent dome which will host the biggest butterfly walk through exhibition in the world.

In support of the project’s ambitions to be a valuable educational experience for schools, community groups and families, SOLARDOME® glasshouse Industries has provided a 7.75m diameter (25ft) VEGA dome, known as The Very Hungry Caterpillar SOLARDOME® glasshouse which will sit in the SOLARDOME® garden. Used to host activities relating to Eric Carle’s multi-award winning book, the SOLARDOME® glasshouse will also be used as an outdoor classroom and as a venue for visits, meetings and receptions.

Welcoming the partnership with SOLARDOME® glasshouse Industries, Angela Harkness, Commercial Director of Butterfly World Project, said:

“With 40% of our visitors expected to be children and teenagers and a huge emphasis on environmental education, Butterfly World is set to emerge as an important ‘learning outside the classroom’ resource for schools, colleges and young people. The SOLARDOME® glasshouse fits perfectly with this vision and its availability as an outdoor classroom will complete the magical experience.”

SOLARDOME® glasshouse Industries’ Managing Director, Pippa Bailey, said:

“Like Eric Carle, the author of The Very Hungry Caterpillar, we have developed a concept which delights and inspires young people. Our geodesic glass domes are thought-provoking structures which enable teachers to create a unique environment outside the classroom where young people can learn in a practical, hands-on way across all areas of the curriculum. We are looking forward to a flourishing relationship with Butterfly World.”