PLANS to create a £30 million conservation park in Easter Compton will be funded over the next four years.

Last week the Gazette revealed what Bristol Zoo Gardens is hoping to create at Hollywood Towers - a world first eco-attraction and environment learning centre.

Having announced details of the major project to the public the Clifton-based zoo is now appealing for help to raise the millions of pounds needed for the centre, which is due to open its doors in 2009.

Zoo bosses are talking to a huge number of charities, individuals, corporations and grant-making trusts, and are waiting to hear if an application for lottery funding has been successful.

A full-time head of development has also been employed to oversee the major local, national and international fund-raising campaign.

As well as providing environmental training, education and conference facilities, the new zoo is expected to make a significant contribution to the economy in South Gloucestershire and Bristol by creating new jobs and tourism.

The eco-zoo will keep large animals such as wildebeest and giraffes while smaller animals will remain at the existing smaller zoo in Clifton.

The new complex at Easter Compton will also feature rainforests and deserts and will encourage visitors to become environmentally friendly.

Commenting on the new development, Bristol Zoo Gardens director Dr Jo Gipps said: "Conservation education lies at the heart of the venture.

"Not only will visitors be able to enjoy a great day out, encountering wildlife in naturalistic landscapes, but they will be able to learn how field conservation projects around the world help underpin vital conservation breeding programmes conducted by the zoo."