Two new attractions at Birdland in Bourton-on-the-Water, Cotswolds
If you haven’t visited Birdland recently you may find that quite a lot has been happening in the picturesque bird park situated in the heart of Bourton on the Water.
The Tropical House has now been renamed the ‘Discovery Zone’. This is an indoor area with various themes to investigate. Two bright and informative display areas explain ‘What is a Bird?’, and ’The Egg Connection’. There is also a soft play are and a classroom/conference centre. So if you’re looking for somewhere to hold a conference for up to 60 delegates in beautiful surroundings, then look no further.
The most recent addition to the park has been the Marshmouth Reserve. This is an area of 2.5 acres that had always been an eyesore attached to the side of Birdland and over the years had been a builder’s dump site. It has also been discarded as waste ground, but when attention was paid to the area it was found to be a haven for wildlife and the dream of a nature trail was born.
The late owner Eddie Trigg had always hoped the site could be developed and planning permission was finally obtained in 2008 and was unofficially opened at Easter 2010.
You can be engulfed in the calm environment of marshland, ponds, meadow, copse and views over the River Windrush where the Kingfisher is regularly seen. We have documented over 50 species of bird, along with frogs, toads, grass snakes, beetles to dragonflies and several species of mammal. There are also hundreds of species of plants from Marsh Marigolds to Alder trees.
There are hides by the river and by various bird feeding stations and interactive signage to test all ages. The area obviously needs to mature, but we hope you will enjoy this secluded haven to be enjoyed by all ages from pond dipping for school children to a quite seat for contemplation in a small slice of the untouched Cotswolds.
Birdland has various special events throughout the year which are always listed within Explore Gloucestershire’s ‘What’s On’ pages. These include reptile Awareness, Bird of Prey Encounter and Meet the Keeper Days. These days are very popular with both children and adults and there is no extra charge for them.
Explore Gloucestershire
26 May 2010
For further information.
OTHER NEWS
