The WWF at Woking opened its exhibition area to the public with the minimum of fanfare this week, and I went along to look. There are four, interactive habitat zones, which the staff refer to as pods – I wondered about beehives, or ants’ nests – containing information and stunning visuals about forests, freshwater, oceans, and wildlife. At first you might think, Is this all there is? But don’t be fooled. The pods contain a wealth of information and images, and their impact slowly dawns on you. They are very child-friendly, with display boards at a variety of heights, and even a special entrance into the pod for toddlers, to increase that sense of wonder, and of something magical. Although this week’s opening has been low-key, there will be a proper, official opening of the exhibition area on Saturday afternoon, 25 January, between 2-4, with a bit more razzamatazz, including films. On a quiet weekday – of course, there may not be many of those once the school visits are full swing – I recommend it as a spot to chill out in, accompanied by awesome images and relaxing music. The perfect place to de-stress. I felt as though I was in another world, and then I remembered. It’s still the same one we all live in, and it’s very, very beautiful. The WWF is attempting to prod us, with its pods, into trying to help keep it that way – in any way we can.
Wokingmatters 