Open 365 days a year, Edinburgh Zoo welcomes students of all ages. For a great day out, you can't beat Edinburgh Zoo. Our world-class attractions and our extensive animal collection will provide you and your family with memories to last a lifetime!
Bird Watching
Bird Watching
What is it?
Bird watching is a specific form of wildlife observation focused on finding and watching birds in their natural habitat. Not to be confused with ornithology (which is the scientific study of birds), the aim of bird watchers is merely to observe, and to find as many different types of birds as they can.
What does it involve?
In general, bird watching involves locating and observing birds in their natural environment without disturbing them too much. It can involve quite a large amount of patience and determination if trying to locate a specific bird, but is a great way of appreciating the natural world.
Why do it and what are the benefits?
Bird watching can greatly improve personal attitudes towards nature and the environment, and teaches perseverance and passion for a topic. Spending time outside can also be incredibly relaxing and it can be refreshing to get away from buildings and technology.
What equipment do we need?
You shouldn't need more equipment than your eyes or perhaps some binoculars for bird watching! It might also be a good idea to do some research beforehand on types of birds you wish to see and what is common to your area so you can check them off as you go along!
Who is it suitable for?
Bird observation is fairly risk free so is suitable for all ages, but younger groups may find it hard to concentrate on the task as it involves being fairly quiet and observing the environment carefully!
Costs?
Other than access to certain parks, bird watching should cost you nothing!
Issues/Things to think about? (unsuitable for age groups, medical conditions etc)
Bird watching is a fairly specific area of interest, so bear in mind the interests of the group when considering this as an activity.
How do we include?
This is a pastime that should be easy for people of abilities to enjoy, as it doesnt require too much activity - just an interest in the surroundings!
Doing it abroad?
Bird watching in a foreign country could be great for those who are interested in the topic, as it can provide an opportunity to see many birds that aren't present in the UK!
Main website:
This page has some great general information about bird watching.
Venues with this Activity
Home to the UK's only giant pandas and koalas, as well as more than 1000 other amazing animals
Join in the fun at Reaseheath Zoo. Meet our friendly ferrets, spot our newborn cotton-top tamarin twins, enjoy the spring sunshine with our ring-tailed lemurs and much more!
What We Do at the Raptor Foundation:
Provide medical care for injured raptors. Return rehabilitated birds to the wild. Provide sanctuary for unreleasable raptors.
Provide research into environmental problems and conservation matters. Assist with "Breed & Release" programs to rebuild raptor populations across Europe.
Paradise Wildlife Park is a fantastic Zoo, an amazing day out, an award winning family attraction & arguably the best venue for animal experience days in Europe. Full on fun with over 400 animals in Broxbourne, Hertfordshire.
Education
Our aim is to inspire, delight and give children first hand knowledge about life on the farm
We believe it is fundamentally important children understand about the food they eat and the effect farming has on their lives. We want their experience at Old MacDonald’s Farm to be fun and one that they will never forget.
Amazing animal adventures
New Forest Wildlife was originally a Butterfly Farm and later became the Nature Quest Wildlife Centre.
Carol and Roger Heap and their son Ed Heap, who have been working in wildlife conservation for most of their lives, took over the park 17 years ago and later re-named the centre the New Forest Wildlife Park.
Education
The National Zoo of Wales
The Zoo is set in 37 acres of woodland and beautiful gardens, overlooking the coastline and mountains of North Wales. We are home to camels, monkeys, lemurs, bears, tamarins, sea lions, tigers, chimpanzees, meerkats and much more!
The Zoo represents a unique living resource to stimulate pupils and students of all ages. The Zoo offers a first class education service.
With some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in Scotland, Torridon is a magnet for walkers, geologists and naturalists.
The estate includes some of Scotland's finest mountain scenery, comprising Liathach, 1,054m (3,456ft) which has seven tops and Beinn Alligin, 985m (3,230ft), composed mainly of Torridonian sandstone dating back 750 million years.
Lindisfarne is a delightful, unspoiled, historic island lies just off the extreme Northeast corner of England near Berwick-upon-Tweed. The small population of just over 160 persons is swelled by the influx of over 650,000 visitors from all over the world every year.
Experience the wildest scenery that Snowdonia has to offer
A 21,000-acre mountainous place, acquired in 1951 from the Penrhyn estate, includes the Cwm Idwal Nature Reserve renowned for its arctic alpine plants. There are eight tenant upland farmson this land, 9,000 peaks above 3,000 feet and the famous mountain Tryfan where Edmund Hilary trained for his ascent of Everest.
Blithfield offers a range of programmes to support education in schools on the themes of water and the environment.
Britain's largest winter garden set within ancient parkland
Encircled by its protective wall, Dunham Massey is a green oasis nestling between the urban sprawl of Manchester and rural tranquillity of Cheshire. While the Georgian hall and Stamford Military Hospital are closed for conservation, the park and gardens are the ideal place to enjoy the crisp clear days of winter.
An imposing 18th century building set in 180 acres of grounds that were landscaped by ‘Capability’ Brown. Hall open for events and exhibitions during spring and summer. The parkland is open throughout the year and free to visit.
Himley Hall and Park is a beautiful place to visit at any time of the year, with stunning grounds where there is always something to see and enjoy.
The shell of Appuldurcombe, once the grandest house on the Isle of Wight and still an important example of English baroque Architecture stands in 'Capability' Brown-designed grounds.
An exhibition of photographs and prints depict the house and its history.
Beautiful ruins, regular events and storytelling folk in costume - who says history can't keep them interested!?
Welcome to Ludlow Castle, an unusually complete range of medieval buildings with a varied history of Norman Fortress, Fortified Palace, Administrative Centre and finally the romantic ruin it is today.
A friendly, family run business with a wonderful collection of over 30 birds of prey to see, including owls, hawks, and falcons. A number of experiences available for accompanied children aged 14 and older.
Recent additions that the kids won’t want to miss are a Great Grey Owl and a Steppe Eagle, there is also a Green Winged Macaw called Woody!
Formed by a series of volcanic eruptions, the craggy landscape of St Abb’s Head on the Berwickshire coast is a National Nature Reserve famous for its clamouring seabirds, rugged coastline, rich grasslands and crystal-clear waters.
A veritable ‘seabird city’, St Abb’s Head is a year-round haven for birdwatchers, walkers and wildlife lovers.
Dorset's largest hill fort renowned for its downland wildlife
Explore the earthworks from both the Roman and Iron Age periods and imagine what it would've looked like thousands of years ago.
Take a closer look at the five entrances through the ramparts, two of which are Iron Age, two Roman and one medieval. And once inside the hill fort you'll see remains of buildings and property boundaries in the form of circular hollows and ridges.
Open expanses of flowery downland and far-reaching views
This area of natural beauty was bought in memory of Thomas Hardy, to protect the landscape in which his novels are set. Fontmell Down and Harding's Down offer stunning views that stretch for miles across the Blackmore Vale.
Harewood House is a country house in Harewood near Leeds, West Yorkshire, England. Designed by architects John Carr and Robert Adam, it was built between 1759 and 1771 for wealthy trader Edwin Lascelles, 1st Baron Harewood.
Experience the romance and mystery of Newstead Abbey, home of Lord Byron
A beautiful historic house set in a glorious landscape of gardens and parkland within the heart of Nottinghamshire.
Medieval Newstead
Our most environmentally sustainable centre, complete with one of Europe’s largest solar panels!
Dearne Valley opened its doors as the new Kingswood centre in 2012. Following a multi-million pound investment programme, Dearne Valley is our most environmentally sustainable centre, complete with one of Europe’s largest solar panels and an on-site waste recycling plant.
Features
A wildlife habitat offering many outdoor and leisure activities, such as adventure playgrounds, fishing, bird watching, sailing and cycling.
Staunton Harold is a wildlife habitat offering many outdoor and leisure activities, such as adventure playgrounds, fishing, bird watching, sailing and cycling, as well as countryside walks for those who want to explore the region.
Cottage and farmhouse, the birthplace of Thomas Bewick
Thomas Bewick is perhaps Northumberland’s greatest artist: a wood engraver and naturalist who revolutionised print art in Georgian England.
A popular Dales beauty spot set amid rolling hills and rugged moorland
This outstanding area of limestone pavements, upland hill farms and flower-rich hay meadows provides a marvellous setting for walking, cycling or just enjoying the great outdoors.
The National Nature Reserve is home to a unique community of rare plants and animals - the bird hide in particular is worth a visit.
Learning
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The Bushcraft Company offer residential school trips with a difference, taking students into the wild and giving them real back-to-nature experiences they will never forget.
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