Princess Anne unveils multi-million-pound development at Sparsholt College

Sparsholt College Group was 'delighted' to welcome Princess Anne and distinguished guests to its Sparsholt Campus on Tuesday, November 1 to officially open The Animal Health & Welfare Research Centre (AHWRC).

Escorted by College Group principal and CEO Julie Milburn, she toured new housing for companion animals and enclosures for zoo animals as well as the refurbished Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons accredited Veterinary Nursing Training Centre.

The AHWRC, first established in 1997, offers training and research facilities for students doing post-GCSE (16+) courses, apprenticeships, DMZAA (Diploma in the Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals), and degree and Master’s level qualifications.

Along the route, she had the opportunity to meet students and staff in situ in their practical learning and research environment. From Uniformed Protective Services students lining the arrival route to Veterinary Nurses and Foundation Learning students all showcasing their skills.

Princess Anne, who arrived by helicopter, was able to visit the new Ringtailed and Black Lemur enclosure, before heading to see the Meerkats to learn about research projects and see other species in the Collection such as Red Pandas, Porcupines and Pademelon.

The tour concluded with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque for the Animal Health & Welfare Research Centre in front of a host of dignitaries, students and staff.

Princess Anne last visited the college in October 1989 to formally open student accommodation and a management training centre.

The latter is now known as The Hampshire Rural Business Centre and is still in use as a conference and training centre today.

She joked: "You might be surprised to hear this place has changed beyond recognition since I was last here, and it's amazing to hear you're still adding to it. I hope this includes hot showers!"

Julie Milburn, who battled with the elements to deliver her speech, said: “The animal health and welfare research centre facilities which we are here to open, comprise a combination of new build and refurbished buildings.

"This has enabled the small animals to be housed in the new companion buildings, creating space and opportunity to extend the collection of zoo mammals on site. In addition, we have a new animal hydrotherapy suite, a facility at the forefront of animal welfare.

Julie Milburn and Stephen Martin standing in front of the commemorative plaque (Image: Newsquest)

“This facility now delivers qualifications in animal management, zoo and veterinary nursing to approximately 1,500 students on an annual basis studying from entry level up to level seven, that’s postgraduate study. Some 25 per cent of these students are undertaking a higher level qualification, that’s Level 4 and above.

"This simply would not have been possible without the investment made by the Enterprise M3 Local Enterprise Partnership and we are extremely grateful for their support.”

Isla Ingram, 16, studies animal management at the college. She had a chance to speak with Princess Anne during the tour.

She said: "It was a bit scary but she was really nice. She asked us what we were interested in, how the course is, and what our favourite animal is."

Speaking on the new facilities, she added: "Once a week we come down here and get hands-on with the animals - it's so much fun. I'm hoping to end up working in a zoo so this is a really good experience for me."

Holly Knape, also 16 and studying animal management, said: "It was a bit intimidating, I was nervous waiting for her to come round but she was very nice."

Winchester City Council leader, Martin Tod, said: "It was brilliant to see how much all the young people here really appreciated The Princess Royal coming to see them, and it was brilliant to see this fantastic new facility.

"Sparsholt is so important to our area, the contribution it makes to our young people, our countryside and agricultural economy, and the county as a whole are really important. It was nice to see that recognised today."

The opening of the Animal Health and Welfare Research Centre represents Phase 5 of the development of facilities in which Sparsholt’s further, higher, DMZAA (the official qualification for zookeepers) and apprenticeship students are trained.

Sparsholt holds a BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums) licence and the Centre houses species of conservation importance, domestic, exotic and large farm animals.

Students are given the opportunity to gain theoretical and practical experience as well as higher-level research skills at University Centre Sparsholt. 

The £2.5 million development was supported with funding from the EM3 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and is home to the National Zoo Academy – "the gold standard" for anyone aspiring to enter, already employed or wanting to develop their skills in the zoo industry.

Animal Health & Welfare Research Centre manager, Calvin Allen, standing outside the meerkat enclosure (Image: Newsquest)

Sparsholt has an extensive and growing collection of zoo and native species, including both exotic and companion mammals, an extensive bird collection, and an extensive reptile and amphibian department. 

EM3 Joint Managing Director Stephen Martin said: “Enterprise M3 is delighted to have played a key role in helping to fund the Animal Health and Welfare Research Centre at Sparsholt College, from the Local Growth Fund (LGF).

“Animal health is an important and growing, high-value sector in the EM3 region, and has been recognised by the Department for International Trade (DIT) as a High Potential Opportunity (HPO). 

"It is fantastic that Sparsholt, over the next five years, will grow the numbers trained at its Animal Health & Welfare Research Centre and provide facilities for 600 more high skilled learners over and above its current student numbers including at least 250 apprentices.”