About the Living Rainforest
About us
Discover the sights, sounds and smells of a thriving tropical rainforest right here in Berkshire. The Living Rainforest takes visitors into the heart of this vibrant ecosystem, where over 850 species of plants and animals can be found around every corner. Each one has its own fascinating story and plays a unique role within its habitat.
We welcome over 100,000 visitors each year, including around 20,000 schoolchildren embarking on rainforest tours with our award-winning guides.
The centre is run by The Trust for Sustainable Living, an educational charity dedicated to building a more sustainable future for the next generation. Through its annual International Student Competition and Debates, the charity gives young people a global platform to share ideas and propose solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
About our charity
The Trust for Sustainable Living is a global educational charity, with the aim of helping the next generation to achieve a sustainable future.
In addition to running the centre, TSL organises an acclaimed International Student Competition and debate involving over 2,500 school children and Teacher Champions in 117+ countries, giving children a global platform to help shape a better future.
Our history
The Living Rainforest has evolved over many years. Originally home to one of Europe’s leading orchid nurseries, in the early 90’s the shoe magnate Keith Bromley led its conversion into Wyld Court Rainforest visitor centre.
In 2000, after a short time under the World Land Trust, the centre was taken over by Karl Hansen who re-established it as The Living Rainforest centre, featuring ecosystem and sustainability exhibits – and part of a global educational charity working with schools around the world, the Trust for Sustainable Living.
Sustainability at the Living Rainforest
Wherever possible, we act as a sustainability demonstration centre and incorporate sustainable building materials, construction techniques and renewable energy sources into our buildings and operations.
Key sustainable design projects to date include our ‘Human Impact Building’ and biomass boiler completed in 2006.
Animal welfare at the Living Rainforest
We are proud of our high standards of animal welfare at the Living Rainforest centre. We ensure that our animals have the five basic freedoms for animals in captivity. We also strictly follow BIAZA guidelines and aim to allow animals to live as they would in the wild as far as possible.