With heathlands, woodlands and ponds, Yateley Common offers a variety of experiences to visitors. You can walk, cycle and horse ride through 193 hectares of varied and wildlife rich surroundings. The Common also offers visitors the opportunity to fish, bird watch, and get involved in practical conservation through volunteering.
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
Adventure playground, nature trails, accessible paths, sculpture trail and nature viewing platform. Plus excellent Discovery Packs for hire from the friendly visitor centre including a pond dipping kit and binoculars!
Welcome to The Nature Discovery centre, a visitor centre with beautiful lakes that adjoins Thatcham Reedbeds SSSI nature reserve. Children can explore Cold Ash stream, follow a lakeside walk and enjoy close up experiences with many species of resident and migrating birds.
Paddle a canoe gently along a meandering river; explore underground caverns; climb crags and cliffs; abseil down a waterfall; shoot the rapids in a kayak; watch wildlife or study Wales' rich heritage on foot, by bike, kayak or canoe.
Considered by many to be the most beautiful lake in Wales, Lake Vyrnwy is tucked away in a landscape of rolling meadows, towering crags, rushing waterfalls, mysterious forest and moorland.
This ruin of a 12th century castle in the grounds of a mansion, was built as a fortified palace and was in the ownership of the Church until the 16th century. Now a romantic ruin, in the grounds of the New Sherborne Castle, it is a great day out for all ages.
A Wonderful Wetland
Britain's largest dune loch is a joy to visit any time of year. In winter, thousands of wild geese, swans and ducks fly in, including 20 per cent of the world's population of pink-footed geese – it's a sight you'll never forget.
Visit a thriving colony of grey seals that have been breeding on the Lincolnshire coast since the 1970s. A number of different habitats to explore and plenty of wildlife to discover.
Lodmoor Country Park is just a 15 minute stroll from Weymouth Esplanade and through Greenhill Gardens.
You'll discover a host of independent attractions providing something of interest to entertain everyone. Access to most of the park is free and you can enjoy the numerous sport and recreation areas, wander around the footpaths and nature reserve or enjoy a picnic or barbecue.
Intriguing Elizabethan lodge and moated garden
Set in the heart of rural Northamptonshire, Lyveden is a remarkable survivor of the Elizabethan age.
Begun by Sir Thomas Tresham to symbolise his Catholic faith, Lyveden remains incomplete and virtually unaltered since work stopped on his death in 1605.
Discover the mysterious garden lodge and explore the Elizabethan garden with its spiral mounts, terracing and canals.
Take a walk around Rodbaston Visitor Centre Animal Zone and say hello to over 750 animals, from meerkats to monkeys, rabbits to alpacas.
Glorious beach with dramatic sand dunes, surrounded by sweeping coastal pinewoods
Red squirrels, natterjacks, prehistoric footprints and miles of coastal walks are just waiting to be discovered - part of Formby's amazing and ever changing landscape.
Enjoy breathtaking sea views or a picnic; head out on a bracing coastal walk or find out about Formby's fascinating coastal history with links to asparagus growing and the early days of aviation.
Majestic views across mid Wales, and a 72m high dam holding back 50,000 megalitres of water, makes this one of Severn Trent Water's most spectacular visitor sites.
Nearly 350 heactares of ancient woodland that is full of butterflies and moths. 2 trails have been set up so that everyone can enjoy them. Information boards along the way provide details of the species that you may see.
A Palladian Palace in the Norfolk countryside
Surrounded by 3,000 acres of rolling parkland, Holkham Hall is one the finest examples of Palladian architecture in England.
The miles of tracks offer an opportunity to explore some of Dorset's internationally important heathland and its rare wildlife.
Superb early 18th-century mansion with unique family history
Discover the story of a family who became caught up in the extraordinary events of the English Civil War. Their history is bound up in this beautiful house, which is still the home of the Carew Pole family today.
A 210 hectare nature reserve with a diverse mosaic of habitats including marshes, ponds, pools, woods and grasslands. Find the Kingfisher Tearooms nestled in the middle of the reserve serving delicious homemade food. Lots of accessible paths and hides to view the brilliant wildlife. Take a session out with the education team to find out more!
A former gravel pit turned nature reserve and a good venue for families to explore
A 144 acre country park sandwiched between the villages of Harrold and Odell 10mls NW of Bedford. It features 2 picturesque lakes and a stretch of the River Great Ouse with wheelchair and pushchair friendly paths round the main lake and outdoor play areas.
here are small play areas at each end and opportunities to view plants and animals as you stroll round.
Yorkshire's Finest House & Gardens
Castle Howard is Yorkshire's finest stately home and garden near York. Grand interiors, gardens and an adventure playground make for a great family day out.
Norfolk’s wonderful museum of rural life and the Workhouse
This fifty-acre site with its magnificent Georgian workhouse invites you to explore two centuries of life on the land. There are recreations of shops and homes, extensive displays on farming and village life and the popular Collections Gallery - a real treasure trove.
Working farm on the Old Yarr Estate with activities scheduled throughout the day including Animal Encounters, tractor and trailer rides, plus a giant sandpit and play area for younger children.
All our activity sessions are in small groups so you can enjoy a real personal touch and our friendly staff are always happy to answer any questions you have about our animals.
The Farm Park is within Floralands Garden Centre, a place for all the family to visit. There is play equipment, a picnic area and a wide variety of animals to see and feed.
Extensive area of upland heath
Covering as much as 2,000 hectares (4,942 acres) of heather-covered hills with stunning views of the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Welsh hills, this is an important place for wildlife, geology and archaeology.
Wyre Forest Discovery Centre hosts the "education centre of excellence". Curriculum linked activities and a variety of adult craft and wildlife focus days are available including high wires and muddy games!
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Featured Provider
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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