Creation
The Ivanvale Nature Reserve was opened to visitors of The Parrot Zoo in the summer of 2008. This is a conservation project set up by the zoo's own charity - The National Parrot Sanctuary Trust. Set in the grounds of The Parrot Zoo, the reserve covers 11 acres of land consisting of a large 2 acre lake and 10,000 new trees.The name 'Ivanvale' was created as a tribute to two very special people who have helped the zoo in so many ways right from the very beginning, Ivan & Valerie Wright who live in the village of Friskney where the zoo is situated.
In the early days of planning the nature reserve, the zoo gathered together several quotes to have the large lakes dug by teams of professional JCB operators. With the cheapest quote coming in at £24,000, it looked like the idea of having lakes on the reserve would have to be abandoned. This is when Ivan came to the rescue yet again and borrowed an ancient JCB and set about digging the lakes himself! During the winter of 2007, Ivan spent every day wrapped up in thermals and slowly the lakes took shape.
With the lakes completed by the Spring of 2007, it was then the task of professional landscaper - Mark Vigrass to plant over 10,000 trees, a job that took him and his team over a week to do.
With the help of a wet Spring, the trees soon took root and began to grow and by 2008 the charity made the decision to allow visitors to the zoo to walk round free of charge.
Ivan continues to help by keeping the grass path that takes you around the reserve looking neat and tidy. Relaxing picnic areas have been incorporated into the paths for those wishing to bring their own food.
To help raise funds for the upkeep of the Nature Reserve, the charity runs an 'adopt a tree' scheme where anyone can have a tree in their name or even a beloved pets name.