TAXIDERMY, skeletons and a dolphin’s skull are just some of a myriad of weird and wonderful items found at a children’s education centre that are due to go up for auction later this month.

TAXIDERMY, skeletons and a dolphin’s skull are just some of a myriad of weird and wonderful items found at a children’s education centre that are due to go up for auction later this month.

The Environmental Education Day Centre in Upware, near Ely, is due to be relocated to Burwell in the coming weeks and many of the quirky items used by the centre have now been deemed surplus to requirements.

Auctioneer David Palmer was contacted by Cambridgeshire County Council about the items and the Ely resident was able to secure them a slot in an auction coming up in Bury St Edmunds on April 16.

Among the more interesting items are range of stuffed animals including a red squirrel and a goose that date from the early 20th Century, skeletal remains of animals found in the mouths of owls and the complete skull of a dolphin.

The auction will also feature a fantastical range of agricultural tools including someone unique to the Fens, like eel cleaves.

“One of two of the items are very old and they are certainly all very interesting,” said Mr Palmer, “I have never come across the skull of a dolphin before so I think it is an item that will bring a lot of interest.”

Mr Palmer also said that the centre was home to a preserved crocodile, though he understood that the council would be keeping the reptile for its new home in Burwell.

For many years schools have brought their classes to the Upware centre for day courses where the children were able to handle the exhibits. From Easter, similar courses will be offered by CEES at nearby Burwell House, and several schools that would have brought their classes to Upware have already confirmed bookings.

Head of Cambridgeshire’s Environmental Education Service (CEES), Rosie Edwards said:

“The move from Upware is a sad occasion for us all, but we are looking forward to establishing our new base at Burwell House where the same CEES team of teachers and support staff will continue to bring learning to life for hundreds of local children every year.”

The auction is taking place at Lacy Scott and Knight in Bury St Edmunds on April 16. Funds raised by the sale will be used to further enhance and develop the new centre’s facilities and equipment.