Nature Discovery Centre

A great day out for all the family

Immerse yourself in nature and wildlife at the Nature Discovery Centre, which hosts a fantastic mosaic of habitats: woodland, orchard, lakeside and reedbeds.

• Explore the network of footpaths, ranging from small family-friendly walks to longer paths for the more adventurous.
• Spend time watching birds from one of our hides, or relax and listen to nature in the quieter areas of our woodland spaces and orchard.
• Recharge and socialise with refreshments from the on-site café, and stock up on wildlife-themed gifts from the shop.
• Let your kids explore outdoors, feed the ducks and play in the adventure playground area.

Where to find us

We are located between Thatcham and Newbury, a short distance off the A4:

Nature Discovery Centre, Muddy Lane, Lower Way, Thatcham, Berkshire, RG19 3FU

Find us on Google Maps or What3Words: shadow.statue.hello

Download a map and directions

Tel: 01635 874381 / Email: ndc@bbowt.org.uk / Facebook.com

Opening times

Visitor Centre (including the café, shop and toilets):
Tuesday-Sunday: 10am-4pm
Monday: Closed (open during school holidays)

Car park: Locked at dusk year-round

Facilities include:

• Lakeside café offering delicious hot and cold refreshments
• Gift shop with a great range of wildlife-themed gifts, toys and books
• Venue hire for special occasions, meetings and conferences
• Adventure playgrounds
• Picnic facilities
• Toilets, disabled toilets and baby changing
• Signposted walking routes and seasonal trails
• Two bird hides, overlooking the lake and woodland area

Get the most from your visit

Access

The centre, cafe and toilets are wheelchair accessible. The Red Trail around the lake is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs; a mobility Tramper vehicle is available to borrow on a first come, first served basis. Click here to book the Tramper or call 01635 874381 for same-day reservations. Although hiring the Tramper is free, this valuable resource is costly to maintain and an optional suggested donation of £5 per hire is appreciated.

Walking information

Gentle slopes, gates, benches, and unsurfaced paths may become muddy in wet weather. There are trails suitable for all abilities.

Volunteer-led walks around the reserve help visitors learn about what birds they can see and hear during their visit. Check below for upcoming bird walks.