Opening a Pop up Shop in Peterborough’s Queensgate shopping mall was the first venture of its kind for the Trust and proved to be very successful. The shop was in the Westgate Arcade section of the mall from 1 December through to 12 January – and having a presence in Queensgate during December for Christmas gift shopping made for a very worthwhile trial. The shop was run by Trust staff and willing volunteers who very generously gave time to engage with visitors/shoppers and sell merchandise.

Wildlife Trust BCN Director of Business Development and Engagement, Kevin Hennessy said: “Management and staff of the Queensgate could not have been more helpful and supportive throughout the trial, and we were only able to run the shop through the hard work and commitment of our fantastic volunteers. The higher priced gifts sold well, the Wrendale range in particular. Cake tins were very popular, but then it was Christmas. In terms of furry animals, of which we sold quite a few, the most popular were the Highland cattle, which we sold out of twice!”

The venture was so successful that the Trust are planning on returning for a longer spell at some point in the spring – watch this space . . .