Nature Discovery Centre
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Please note Due to staffing issues, the visitor centre will be closed on the following dates in October: Mon 04/Tue 05; Mon 11/Tue 12; Mon 18/Tue 19. The car parks and the rest of the site will be open as normal. BBOWT will be carrying out path improvement works around the Nature Discovery Centre lake between Tues 19 and Thurs 21 October. While the path will not be fully closed there will be machinery working in the area so please take extra care and be prepared for the possibility of a short delay to your walk. |
The Nature Discovery Centre offers a great day out for all the family
The Nature Discovery Centre is packed full of interactive wildlife and natural history displays. There is a network of footpaths ranging from small family-friendly walks to longer paths for the more adventurous. Surrounded by a mosaic of different habitats, there is fantastic wildlife to see all year around.
Facilities include:
- Lakeside café offering delicious hot and cold refreshments
- Adventure Playgrounds
- Gift shop with a great range of wildlife themed gifts, toys and books
- Picnic facilities
- Toilets, disabled toilets and baby changing
- Signposted walk routes and seasonal Wildlife Discovery Trail
- Thatcham Community Orchard
Where to find us
We are located between Thatcham and Newbury, a short distance off the A4 at:
Nature Discovery Centre, Muddy Lane, Lower Way, Thatcham, Berkshire, RG19 3FU
Tel: 01635 874381
Email: ndc@bbowt.org.uk
Download a map and directions
Opening times
The Nature Discovery Centre is now open Monday - Sunday, 10am-5pm. This includes the cafe (takeaway only), shop and outside toilets.
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.
Walking information
Gentle slopes, gates, benches, unsurfaced paths may become muddy in wet weather. There are trails suitable for all abilities.
Bringing your dog
Dogs are welcome on the reserve, but please keep them out of the lake. We ask that you keep dogs under close control at all times. Dogs, except assistance dogs, are not permitted inside the visitor centre.
Birds at the Nature Discovery Centre
Maria Arkwright
Throughout the year, one of our volunteers surveys the species of bird found on site. Below is a list showing the trend of different species and numbers of each throughout the year.
Nature Discovery Centre bird list - 2021
Our volunteer also leads regular walks around the reserve to help visitors learn about what they can see and hear during their visit, and to learn more about each species. Visit our events page to find details of all our bird walks.
What's on at The Nature Discovery Centre
Nature Tots - Nature Discovery Centre, Thatcham, Thursday 21st October
Nature Discovery Centre ,
Thatcham, Berkshire
Nature Tots - Nature Discovery Centre Thatcham, Monday 15th November
Nature Discovery Centre ,
Thatcham, Berkshire
Nature Tots - Nature Discovery Centre Thatcham, Thursday 18th November
Nature Discovery Centre ,
Thatcham, Berkshire
More ways to get involved
Hire a space at one of our visitor centres or nature reserves, join a wildlife club, or plan a group visit.
Volunteers wanted
We're looking for volunteers to help with our new Engaging with Nature project, delivering outdoor sessions to improve people's mental wellbeing
Stay up-to-date with our work
Sign up below to receive the latest news from BBOWT, tips about how you can help wildlife, plus information on how you can get involved.
