Safari Park
The West Midland Safari and Leisure Park, often referred to as Bewdley Safari Park, opened in the spring of 1983. It is situated north of the SVRSevern Valley Railway between Bewdley Tunnel and Bewdley, and can be seen on the right when travelling towards Bewdley from Kidderminster. The curve in the line at that point has become known on the railway as 'Safari Park Curve'.
Two areas of the park are visible from the railway. Travelling towards Bewdley, the first area is the 'African Plains', which most notably includes the Park’s white rhinos. The second area is 'Elephant Valley', home of the Park’s African elephants. On Thursday 24 May the Olympic Torch arrived on the SVRSevern Valley Railway. 7812 Erlestoke Manor carried the torch between Bewdley and Kidderminster, pausing for a photo opportunity with the two female elephants, Five and Latabe. A baby male elephant named Sutton was born to Five in May 2014.
BBC News reported in 2011 that the SVRSevern Valley Railway was "not against the idea" of a new station to join the Park with the railway[1].
The Express & Star reported in July 2014 that "Plans are also in the pipeline to link the safari park with the nearby Severn Valley Railway. A new stop would be introduced serving the park."[2]
References
- ↑ BBC News West Midlands Safari Park considers new railway station (Retrieved 26 November 2015)
- ↑ Express & Star West Midlands Safari Park reveal £80 million transformation plans (Retrieved 27 November 2015)
Links
Safari Park web site
BBC News Flag-waving Elephants join Olympic torch relay (includes iPlayer clip)
