A lottery winner who secured £148million in the 2012 EuroMillions draw has expanded his exotic animal collection by acquiring a pair of rare South American flightless birds.
Adrian Bayford, 54, has welcomed two rhea birds onto the grounds of his Horseheath Lodge property in Cambridgeshire.
The former postal worker, who won the jackpot alongside his now ex-wife Gillian, maintains a 189-acre estate where he has been developing a wildlife attraction.
The new arrivals join an existing collection of animals at the sprawling country estate.
Bayford separated from his first wife just 12 months following their lottery success.
The newcomers represent the latest addition to his rapidly growing menagerie.
The estate already houses several farm animals, including rare black silkie bantams alongside goats, pigs, sheep and ducklings.
The rhea birds have now been integrated into this established collection at Horseheath Lodge.
Plans for transforming 20 acres of the property into an environmentally-focused theme park were announced in 2024.
The proposed attraction includes educational facilities, a train ride, a play barn and a maze.
In documentation submitted for planning approval, Bayford stated he sought to offer "a fun, exciting and educational day out" for families.
The wildlife park forms part of his broader strategy to convert the country estate into an eco-themed visitor destination, The Sun reports.
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Beyond the animal collection, he has diversified his estate's offerings.
He has established a vineyard, launched an Airbnb letting service, and hosted rock festivals on the extensive grounds.
A disused stableyard on the estate has been converted into Wild Roots, an educational centre focused on connecting young people with the natural world.
Children attending the hub can participate in activities such as constructing dens and exploring pond life within the estate's grounds.
The Wild Roots website describes the initiative's purpose, stating: "Our story was born from a vision to provide accessible education in nature where children can be free, be nurtured and grow at their own pace, away from the confines of a classroom."
The educational programme provides "endless opportunities for intrigued minds and inquisitive hands to embrace nature and learn about the world around them", according to the website.
Participants can interact with livestock described as "rare and traditional" breeds, observe hedgerow wildlife, walk through woodland and wildflower meadows, and visit vegetable garden polytunnels.
Sessions cost £150 for three hours, accommodating up to 10 youngsters, with negotiable rates for larger groups.
Participants must supply their own refreshments, though compostable toilets are provided on site.
Bayford's estate ventures now include wine production, with preparations underway to create sparkling wine from the vineyard's inaugural harvest.
The vines, planted in 2023 across an area equivalent to six football pitches, benefited from this year's summer sunshine.
The vineyard could ultimately yield 25,000 bottles annually.
Friends of the lottery winner indicate that his fiancée Tracey Biles, 46, has taken a leading role in overseeing the recent projects.
Since forming a relationship with Tracey, Bayford has adopted a more environmentally conscious approach to estate management.
The couple cultivate vegetables in raised beds and polytunnels within a kitchen garden.
Additional sustainable features include approved solar panel installation on one of the barns, expected to generate surplus energy for the entire estate.
A large carp pond has been created on the property, complementing the acquisition of young goats and pigs.
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A lottery winner who secured £148million in the 2012 EuroMillions draw has expanded his exotic animal collection by acquiring a pair of rare South American flightless birds.
Adrian Bayford, 54, has welcomed two rhea birds onto the grounds of his Horseheath Lodge property in Cambridgeshire.
The former postal worker, who won the jackpot alongside his now ex-wife Gillian, maintains a 189-acre estate where he has been developing a wildlife attraction.
The new arrivals join an existing collection of animals at the sprawling country estate.
Bayford separated from his first wife just 12 months following their lottery success.
The newcomers represent the latest addition to his rapidly growing menagerie.
The estate already houses several farm animals, including rare black silkie bantams alongside goats, pigs, sheep and ducklings.
The rhea birds have now been integrated into this established collection at Horseheath Lodge.
Plans for transforming 20 acres of the property into an environmentally-focused theme park were announced in 2024.
The proposed attraction includes educational facilities, a train ride, a play barn and a maze.
In documentation submitted for planning approval, Bayford stated he sought to offer "a fun, exciting and educational day out" for families.
The wildlife park forms part of his broader strategy to convert the country estate into an eco-themed visitor destination, The Sun reports.
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- National Lottery players reveal who they would splash the cash on if they scooped £318m jackpot
- National Lottery winner scoops life-changing £500,000 jackpot after one simple change
- English football club lands £1million Lotto win after 30 years of trying
Beyond the animal collection, he has diversified his estate's offerings.
He has established a vineyard, launched an Airbnb letting service, and hosted rock festivals on the extensive grounds.
A disused stableyard on the estate has been converted into Wild Roots, an educational centre focused on connecting young people with the natural world.
Children attending the hub can participate in activities such as constructing dens and exploring pond life within the estate's grounds.
The Wild Roots website describes the initiative's purpose, stating: "Our story was born from a vision to provide accessible education in nature where children can be free, be nurtured and grow at their own pace, away from the confines of a classroom."
The educational programme provides "endless opportunities for intrigued minds and inquisitive hands to embrace nature and learn about the world around them", according to the website.
Participants can interact with livestock described as "rare and traditional" breeds, observe hedgerow wildlife, walk through woodland and wildflower meadows, and visit vegetable garden polytunnels.
Sessions cost £150 for three hours, accommodating up to 10 youngsters, with negotiable rates for larger groups.
Participants must supply their own refreshments, though compostable toilets are provided on site.
Bayford's estate ventures now include wine production, with preparations underway to create sparkling wine from the vineyard's inaugural harvest.
The vines, planted in 2023 across an area equivalent to six football pitches, benefited from this year's summer sunshine.
The vineyard could ultimately yield 25,000 bottles annually.
Friends of the lottery winner indicate that his fiancée Tracey Biles, 46, has taken a leading role in overseeing the recent projects.
Since forming a relationship with Tracey, Bayford has adopted a more environmentally conscious approach to estate management.
The couple cultivate vegetables in raised beds and polytunnels within a kitchen garden.
Additional sustainable features include approved solar panel installation on one of the barns, expected to generate surplus energy for the entire estate.
A large carp pond has been created on the property, complementing the acquisition of young goats and pigs.
Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter
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