The British Wildlife Centre in Lingfield, Surrey, is celebrating 25 years of public education and species conservation, the centre said this week. Founded by former dairy farmer David Mills — awarded an MBE in 2016 and partner of actress Dame Judi Dench — the 82‑year‑old continues to lead efforts to foster appreciation for Britain’s native fauna. The centre houses species such as polecats, stoats, weasels, red squirrels, owls, badgers, otters, foxes and Scottish wildcats, and runs weekday visits for school groups during term time to build lifelong interest in protection. Mills warned England has some of the “most depleted” wildlife in Europe and said one in six species in Britain is at risk of extinction because of habitat loss, climate change and pollution. The centre emphasised the importance of creating safe spaces for wildlife, including through wildlife‑friendly gardens, as part of wider conservation action.