The Winchester Science Centre has opened a new outdoor play area featuring three interactive exhibits designed to combine play with nature-based learning. Unveiled on Thursday 16 July, the installations — Dino Dig, The Chalk Stream and Dormouse Den — are aimed at children aged three to 12 and were developed with direct input from a group of local young advisers.
Child-designed features to encourage curiosity
The exhibits were shaped by Wonderseekers’ Young Steering Group, a panel of children who influenced both concept and play elements. Each installation draws on the landscape and biodiversity of the South Downs National Park, with the intention of helping youngsters discover local habitats without travelling far.
- Dino Dig - a palaeontology-inspired area for digging for fossils and tactile play.
- The Chalk Stream - a water-play feature highlighting one of Hampshire's rare freshwater habitats.
- Dormouse Den - a climb-and-explore structure inspired by the hazel dormouse.
Local voices and charitable aims
Local councillors and the city’s MP attended the launch. Cllr Martin Tod praised the centre's ambition and its role in inspiring children:
"I love the way that the science centre is so ambitious and is always doing more to get children inspired and interested in science."
Winchester's MP highlighted the value of showing children the natural habitats that exist close to home. Ben Ward, chief executive of the charity Wonderseekers, said the project took several years to complete but now allows the organisation to present the national park and its habitats to children at different times of year.
Implications for families and schools
The additions broaden the centre’s offer beyond indoor exhibitions and digital shows, providing an outdoor setting that supports physical activity alongside environmental learning. For local primary schools and early years groups, the new space offers an accessible resource for curriculum-linked visits that illustrate geology, ecology and native wildlife in practical ways.
| Feature | Intended age | Learning focus |
|---|---|---|
| Dino Dig | 3–12 | Palaeontology, tactile exploration |
| The Chalk Stream | 3–12 | Freshwater habitats, water ecology |
| Dormouse Den | 3–12 | Mammal behaviour, movement and habitat |
As a permanent addition to Winchester’s cultural and educational infrastructure, the outdoor exhibits are likely to attract families throughout the year and to support the centre’s wider mission to foster lifelong curiosity about science. The partnership between the science centre and Wonderseekers emphasises inclusive access to nature-centred learning: encouraging children to be "curious, confident and connected to the world around them," in the charity’s words.
Practical details such as opening hours, any additional charges and school-visit arrangements should be confirmed with Winchester Science Centre directly for groups planning educational trips.
