The Nature Discovery Centre

Nature Explorers club for 5-8 year olds and their families is on Saturday! We'll have a "wonderful water" theme 💧
Book here >>> http://www.bbowt.org.uk/even…/…/08/18 /nature-explorers-club…

Floral fun today at the Discovery Centre!

Craft in our Orchard!

Our fab trainee Susannah is busy prepping for the 'Blooming Brilliant' sessions this Friday: you too can make beautiful blooms like this. Two sessions 11am and 1.30pm - book here:https://bit.ly/2OT8YxM

A scavenger hunt with a difference! Using your digital/phone camera, collect shots of all the items on the list to win a prize.
Your challenge: to collect photos capturing all the items off a nature-themed list. Work as a team to find and photograph everything on the list and you will get a prize, plus more fun activities like den building and bug hunting in our special Butterfly Lake area. Examples of items that might be on the list: a spikey leaf; a cloud that looks like an animal; a selfie with your favourite tree...

A hand-on craft based session for children aged 5 years and above.
Build a house fit for a fairy amongst nature's enchanted woodland, using natural materials as well as a few added extras.
Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Come and make a pretty paper posy! A lovely craft based session for children aged 4 years and above, or adults.
Children must be accompanied by an adult.

This Friday is our first Fantastic Wildlife Friday! Our fabulous Community Wildlife Assistant Emily will be leading the session. She says, "Wake up your senses and sharpen your perception with an Earthwalk. The perfect way to tune into the Wild here at the Discovery Centre." If you'd like to book a place, visit: https://bit.ly/2LAXj81

Join Emily for Earth Education inspired magical sensory walks around Butterfly Lake.
Something a little different from our usual events! Come and explore one of the hidden away corners of our beautiful reserve, find out more about our local wildlife and perhaps learn something about yourself in the process.
This event is suitable for all ages; children must be accompanied by an adult. The event will take place outdoors so please dress appropriately for the weather.

Fun to start the day with Mandy of BBC Radio Berkshire - passing on a clue for the #PeachQuest here at the centre!

PLEASE NOTE: we have an algal bloom on the lake. This is a naturally occurring process where blue-green algae grow in the water. It is however harmful to dogs and children. When visiting, please keep your dogs and children away from the water.

We've got even more Nature Tots sessions from July! Come and join us for some wild fun and games with your preschool children

Come and meet the keepers from 'The Animal Experience'. This week they are bring a selection of animals which will include Meerkats, a hit with all ages, African Hedgehogs, quite distinct from those found in this country.
Gambian Pouch Rats these used for sniffing out landmines, and able to identify someone infected with tuberculosis purely by scent. An African Grey Parrot: "Georgie" -- the most intelligent of parrots, and with an extensive vocabulary! Sugargliders, similar t...o miniature flying mice, and an Umbrella Cockatoo, a bird with real attitude!
Please note: this list may vary slightly if for example animals are carrying young. Sessions last an hour and start from 10am.
Who is this event suitable for? Everyone is welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult who has also booked a place.
What to bring? A camera if you would like a record of the event.
Is there an age limit for children?
Children need to be 5+ years
Access details: The Nature Discovery Centre is fully accessable.
See More

Would you like to join our busy team here at the Centre as a Cafe Assistant?
We are looking for friendly, motivated people to join the team during the busy summer season. Hours are very flexible.
For more details and to apply please take a look at our website http://www.bbowt.org.uk/jobs/caf%C3%A9-as sistant-2

A glorious array of plants, we've chosen to include a number of wildflowers and 'weeds' because they brighten our day and are good for wildlife.

We came from Calne, Wiltshire to have a walk round somewhere different.



We enjoyed ourselves here but sadly couldn't see much on our walk due to it being very foggy. The little canteen was good; we had a bacon & egg bap & a Sausage & egg bap with tea & coffee before setting out on our walk.



Will definitely come back again when the weather is more clement ;-).

We came for your free craft session on Tues. We came early to have a play in your fantastic parks and a snack and drink in the cafe. The craft session was really lovely and the lady (Kate) worked really hard to engage our 2.5 and nearly 3 year olds plus two other little ones, it wasn't easy but she managed to capture their imagination with the stories she read.

The only criticism I have every time I come to the lakes is that the cafe staff don't seem to be very helpful to mums with little children and I have often felt they are frowning upon my children being noisy and having a good time.

We love coming to the lakes and loving the free craft session each week!

Very nice stroll around the lake and our 8 year loved going wild in the park

The Nature Discovery Centre and surrounding grounds is such a beautiful place to learn about nature, and witness all kinds of beautiful birds, along with the trees, the orchard, and all the different wild flowers that grow there. The children's play park is adored by practically every child that goes there, and the dogs all love walking anywhere they fancy, on a lead of course!

Nice and beautiful place. Perfect to disconnect of the routine, nice people and ducks around.

Lovely quiet place with a pretty walk around the lake and plenty to keep younger children busy, with two playparks and various "educational" activities and games. Facilities are reasonable including a little cafe.

Lovely place to explore and learn about the wildlife in our countryside. Great hands-on activities for children, and a nice cafe. Two play areas kept the little ones entertained also.

Love taking my lad there and going with family and friends. Such a nice walk around the lake and feeding the ducks is always a nice/funny experience

It's a great place for walks, with or without dogs. Lovely to watch wildlife and people. Cafe's not as good as it used to be but that's just a small part and you can always take a picnic.

I love this place, all of the ducks and birds are beautiful. I tend to go in the evening when its quiet and peaceful. It is such a beautiful place to just sit and relax �

Great place for the kids to let off some steam & energy whilst playing outdoors whilst learning about wildlife in a beautiful & fantastic setting.

Excellent place to go , lots to do and a nice cafe . Walk around the lake and play in the park :-)

Brilliant place to enjoy sunny days. Lots of ducks, birds and geese to see on a walk round the lakes and the 2 adventure playgrounds are great for the kids, to burn off some energy...�

Brilliant place to enjoy sunny days. Lots of ducks, birds and geese to see on a walk round the lakes and the 2 adventure playgrounds are great for the kids ( and adults :-) ) to burn off some energy

An oasis of calm in a busy World - the birds are happy, the people who visit are happy and the staff do an amazing job X

We visited before the school holidays started and are glad we did; we bought the trail book from reception (£1.50) and after a few helpful hints set off.



The walk around the lake was lovely and our daughter enjoyed completing the challenges. On getting back to the centre we had drinks while the young lady finished off her booklet so she could get her reward - which she did.



A great little place which we all enjoyed especially on the way out doing the adventure playground. We'll be gong back for some of the events they have organised.

I enjoy it here. I think the park needs a bit of an overhaul, it's starting to get old but it is good. The park must have been there 10+ years from when I was little. The new benches are a great touch all around the lake. Cheap day out! Love it

This is a lovely place to come for a walk with the kids looking for "rocks". Not many to be found today. We come here a lot with a picnic and get a cuppa from the cafe. Today sadly a lot of irresponsible dog owners who can't be bothered to clean up after there dogs. Spoil it for everyone.

I like coming here, love the walk around, the benches outside could do with renewing, and the food and drink is expensive, £2 for an ice cream, but it's an excellent space for kids to run, and play in the parks, just wish kids would learn not to chase and upset the birds, really annoys me

We came from Calne, Wiltshire to have a walk round somewhere different.



We enjoyed ourselves here but sadly couldn't see much on our walk due to it being very foggy. The little canteen was good; we had a bacon & egg bap & a Sausage & egg bap with tea & coffee before setting out on our walk.



Will definitely come back again when the weather is more clement ;-).

We came for your free craft session on Tues. We came early to have a play in your fantastic parks and a snack and drink in the cafe. The craft session was really lovely and the lady (Kate) worked really hard to engage our 2.5 and nearly 3 year olds plus two other little ones, it wasn't easy but she managed to capture their imagination with the stories she read.

The only criticism I have every time I come to the lakes is that the cafe staff don't seem to be very helpful to mums with little children and I have often felt they are frowning upon my children being noisy and having a good time.

We love coming to the lakes and loving the free craft session each week!

Very nice stroll around the lake and our 8 year loved going wild in the park

The Nature Discovery Centre and surrounding grounds is such a beautiful place to learn about nature, and witness all kinds of beautiful birds, along with the trees, the orchard, and all the different wild flowers that grow there. The children's play park is adored by practically every child that goes there, and the dogs all love walking anywhere they fancy, on a lead of course!

Nice and beautiful place. Perfect to disconnect of the routine, nice people and ducks around.

Lovely quiet place with a pretty walk around the lake and plenty to keep younger children busy, with two playparks and various "educational" activities and games. Facilities are reasonable including a little cafe.

Lovely place to explore and learn about the wildlife in our countryside. Great hands-on activities for children, and a nice cafe. Two play areas kept the little ones entertained also.

Love taking my lad there and going with family and friends. Such a nice walk around the lake and feeding the ducks is always a nice/funny experience

It's a great place for walks, with or without dogs. Lovely to watch wildlife and people. Cafe's not as good as it used to be but that's just a small part and you can always take a picnic.

I love this place, all of the ducks and birds are beautiful. I tend to go in the evening when its quiet and peaceful. It is such a beautiful place to just sit and relax �

Great place for the kids to let off some steam & energy whilst playing outdoors whilst learning about wildlife in a beautiful & fantastic setting.

Excellent place to go , lots to do and a nice cafe . Walk around the lake and play in the park :-)

Brilliant place to enjoy sunny days. Lots of ducks, birds and geese to see on a walk round the lakes and the 2 adventure playgrounds are great for the kids, to burn off some energy...�

Brilliant place to enjoy sunny days. Lots of ducks, birds and geese to see on a walk round the lakes and the 2 adventure playgrounds are great for the kids ( and adults :-) ) to burn off some energy

An oasis of calm in a busy World - the birds are happy, the people who visit are happy and the staff do an amazing job X

We visited before the school holidays started and are glad we did; we bought the trail book from reception (£1.50) and after a few helpful hints set off.



The walk around the lake was lovely and our daughter enjoyed completing the challenges. On getting back to the centre we had drinks while the young lady finished off her booklet so she could get her reward - which she did.



A great little place which we all enjoyed especially on the way out doing the adventure playground. We'll be gong back for some of the events they have organised.

I enjoy it here. I think the park needs a bit of an overhaul, it's starting to get old but it is good. The park must have been there 10+ years from when I was little. The new benches are a great touch all around the lake. Cheap day out! Love it

This is a lovely place to come for a walk with the kids looking for "rocks". Not many to be found today. We come here a lot with a picnic and get a cuppa from the cafe. Today sadly a lot of irresponsible dog owners who can't be bothered to clean up after there dogs. Spoil it for everyone.

I like coming here, love the walk around, the benches outside could do with renewing, and the food and drink is expensive, £2 for an ice cream, but it's an excellent space for kids to run, and play in the parks, just wish kids would learn not to chase and upset the birds, really annoys me

We came from Calne, Wiltshire to have a walk round somewhere different.



We enjoyed ourselves here but sadly couldn't see much on our walk due to it being very foggy. The little canteen was good; we had a bacon & egg bap & a Sausage & egg bap with tea & coffee before setting out on our walk.



Will definitely come back again when the weather is more clement ;-).

We came for your free craft session on Tues. We came early to have a play in your fantastic parks and a snack and drink in the cafe. The craft session was really lovely and the lady (Kate) worked really hard to engage our 2.5 and nearly 3 year olds plus two other little ones, it wasn't easy but she managed to capture their imagination with the stories she read.

The only criticism I have every time I come to the lakes is that the cafe staff don't seem to be very helpful to mums with little children and I have often felt they are frowning upon my children being noisy and having a good time.

We love coming to the lakes and loving the free craft session each week!

Very nice stroll around the lake and our 8 year loved going wild in the park

The Nature Discovery Centre and surrounding grounds is such a beautiful place to learn about nature, and witness all kinds of beautiful birds, along with the trees, the orchard, and all the different wild flowers that grow there. The children's play park is adored by practically every child that goes there, and the dogs all love walking anywhere they fancy, on a lead of course!

Nice and beautiful place. Perfect to disconnect of the routine, nice people and ducks around.

Lovely quiet place with a pretty walk around the lake and plenty to keep younger children busy, with two playparks and various "educational" activities and games. Facilities are reasonable including a little cafe.

Lovely place to explore and learn about the wildlife in our countryside. Great hands-on activities for children, and a nice cafe. Two play areas kept the little ones entertained also.

Love taking my lad there and going with family and friends. Such a nice walk around the lake and feeding the ducks is always a nice/funny experience

It's a great place for walks, with or without dogs. Lovely to watch wildlife and people. Cafe's not as good as it used to be but that's just a small part and you can always take a picnic.

I love this place, all of the ducks and birds are beautiful. I tend to go in the evening when its quiet and peaceful. It is such a beautiful place to just sit and relax �

Great place for the kids to let off some steam & energy whilst playing outdoors whilst learning about wildlife in a beautiful & fantastic setting.

Excellent place to go , lots to do and a nice cafe . Walk around the lake and play in the park :-)

Brilliant place to enjoy sunny days. Lots of ducks, birds and geese to see on a walk round the lakes and the 2 adventure playgrounds are great for the kids, to burn off some energy...�

Brilliant place to enjoy sunny days. Lots of ducks, birds and geese to see on a walk round the lakes and the 2 adventure playgrounds are great for the kids ( and adults :-) ) to burn off some energy

An oasis of calm in a busy World - the birds are happy, the people who visit are happy and the staff do an amazing job X

We visited before the school holidays started and are glad we did; we bought the trail book from reception (£1.50) and after a few helpful hints set off.



The walk around the lake was lovely and our daughter enjoyed completing the challenges. On getting back to the centre we had drinks while the young lady finished off her booklet so she could get her reward - which she did.



A great little place which we all enjoyed especially on the way out doing the adventure playground. We'll be gong back for some of the events they have organised.

I enjoy it here. I think the park needs a bit of an overhaul, it's starting to get old but it is good. The park must have been there 10+ years from when I was little. The new benches are a great touch all around the lake. Cheap day out! Love it

This is a lovely place to come for a walk with the kids looking for "rocks". Not many to be found today. We come here a lot with a picnic and get a cuppa from the cafe. Today sadly a lot of irresponsible dog owners who can't be bothered to clean up after there dogs. Spoil it for everyone.

I like coming here, love the walk around, the benches outside could do with renewing, and the food and drink is expensive, £2 for an ice cream, but it's an excellent space for kids to run, and play in the parks, just wish kids would learn not to chase and upset the birds, really annoys me

We came from Calne, Wiltshire to have a walk round somewhere different.



We enjoyed ourselves here but sadly couldn't see much on our walk due to it being very foggy. The little canteen was good; we had a bacon & egg bap & a Sausage & egg bap with tea & coffee before setting out on our walk.



Will definitely come back again when the weather is more clement ;-).

We came for your free craft session on Tues. We came early to have a play in your fantastic parks and a snack and drink in the cafe. The craft session was really lovely and the lady (Kate) worked really hard to engage our 2.5 and nearly 3 year olds plus two other little ones, it wasn't easy but she managed to capture their imagination with the stories she read.

The only criticism I have every time I come to the lakes is that the cafe staff don't seem to be very helpful to mums with little children and I have often felt they are frowning upon my children being noisy and having a good time.

We love coming to the lakes and loving the free craft session each week!

Very nice stroll around the lake and our 8 year loved going wild in the park

The Nature Discovery Centre and surrounding grounds is such a beautiful place to learn about nature, and witness all kinds of beautiful birds, along with the trees, the orchard, and all the different wild flowers that grow there. The children's play park is adored by practically every child that goes there, and the dogs all love walking anywhere they fancy, on a lead of course!

Nice and beautiful place. Perfect to disconnect of the routine, nice people and ducks around.

Lovely quiet place with a pretty walk around the lake and plenty to keep younger children busy, with two playparks and various "educational" activities and games. Facilities are reasonable including a little cafe.

Lovely place to explore and learn about the wildlife in our countryside. Great hands-on activities for children, and a nice cafe. Two play areas kept the little ones entertained also.

Love taking my lad there and going with family and friends. Such a nice walk around the lake and feeding the ducks is always a nice/funny experience

It's a great place for walks, with or without dogs. Lovely to watch wildlife and people. Cafe's not as good as it used to be but that's just a small part and you can always take a picnic.

I love this place, all of the ducks and birds are beautiful. I tend to go in the evening when its quiet and peaceful. It is such a beautiful place to just sit and relax �

Great place for the kids to let off some steam & energy whilst playing outdoors whilst learning about wildlife in a beautiful & fantastic setting.

Excellent place to go , lots to do and a nice cafe . Walk around the lake and play in the park :-)

Brilliant place to enjoy sunny days. Lots of ducks, birds and geese to see on a walk round the lakes and the 2 adventure playgrounds are great for the kids, to burn off some energy...�

Brilliant place to enjoy sunny days. Lots of ducks, birds and geese to see on a walk round the lakes and the 2 adventure playgrounds are great for the kids ( and adults :-) ) to burn off some energy

An oasis of calm in a busy World - the birds are happy, the people who visit are happy and the staff do an amazing job X

We visited before the school holidays started and are glad we did; we bought the trail book from reception (£1.50) and after a few helpful hints set off.



The walk around the lake was lovely and our daughter enjoyed completing the challenges. On getting back to the centre we had drinks while the young lady finished off her booklet so she could get her reward - which she did.



A great little place which we all enjoyed especially on the way out doing the adventure playground. We'll be gong back for some of the events they have organised.

I enjoy it here. I think the park needs a bit of an overhaul, it's starting to get old but it is good. The park must have been there 10+ years from when I was little. The new benches are a great touch all around the lake. Cheap day out! Love it

This is a lovely place to come for a walk with the kids looking for "rocks". Not many to be found today. We come here a lot with a picnic and get a cuppa from the cafe. Today sadly a lot of irresponsible dog owners who can't be bothered to clean up after there dogs. Spoil it for everyone.

I like coming here, love the walk around, the benches outside could do with renewing, and the food and drink is expensive, £2 for an ice cream, but it's an excellent space for kids to run, and play in the parks, just wish kids would learn not to chase and upset the birds, really annoys me

We came from Calne, Wiltshire to have a walk round somewhere different.



We enjoyed ourselves here but sadly couldn't see much on our walk due to it being very foggy. The little canteen was good; we had a bacon & egg bap & a Sausage & egg bap with tea & coffee before setting out on our walk.



Will definitely come back again when the weather is more clement ;-).

We came for your free craft session on Tues. We came early to have a play in your fantastic parks and a snack and drink in the cafe. The craft session was really lovely and the lady (Kate) worked really hard to engage our 2.5 and nearly 3 year olds plus two other little ones, it wasn't easy but she managed to capture their imagination with the stories she read.

The only criticism I have every time I come to the lakes is that the cafe staff don't seem to be very helpful to mums with little children and I have often felt they are frowning upon my children being noisy and having a good time.

We love coming to the lakes and loving the free craft session each week!

Very nice stroll around the lake and our 8 year loved going wild in the park

The Nature Discovery Centre and surrounding grounds is such a beautiful place to learn about nature, and witness all kinds of beautiful birds, along with the trees, the orchard, and all the different wild flowers that grow there. The children's play park is adored by practically every child that goes there, and the dogs all love walking anywhere they fancy, on a lead of course!

Nice and beautiful place. Perfect to disconnect of the routine, nice people and ducks around.

Lovely quiet place with a pretty walk around the lake and plenty to keep younger children busy, with two playparks and various "educational" activities and games. Facilities are reasonable including a little cafe.

Lovely place to explore and learn about the wildlife in our countryside. Great hands-on activities for children, and a nice cafe. Two play areas kept the little ones entertained also.

Love taking my lad there and going with family and friends. Such a nice walk around the lake and feeding the ducks is always a nice/funny experience

It's a great place for walks, with or without dogs. Lovely to watch wildlife and people. Cafe's not as good as it used to be but that's just a small part and you can always take a picnic.

I love this place, all of the ducks and birds are beautiful. I tend to go in the evening when its quiet and peaceful. It is such a beautiful place to just sit and relax �

Great place for the kids to let off some steam & energy whilst playing outdoors whilst learning about wildlife in a beautiful & fantastic setting.

Excellent place to go , lots to do and a nice cafe . Walk around the lake and play in the park :-)

Brilliant place to enjoy sunny days. Lots of ducks, birds and geese to see on a walk round the lakes and the 2 adventure playgrounds are great for the kids, to burn off some energy...�

Brilliant place to enjoy sunny days. Lots of ducks, birds and geese to see on a walk round the lakes and the 2 adventure playgrounds are great for the kids ( and adults :-) ) to burn off some energy

An oasis of calm in a busy World - the birds are happy, the people who visit are happy and the staff do an amazing job X

We visited before the school holidays started and are glad we did; we bought the trail book from reception (£1.50) and after a few helpful hints set off.



The walk around the lake was lovely and our daughter enjoyed completing the challenges. On getting back to the centre we had drinks while the young lady finished off her booklet so she could get her reward - which she did.



A great little place which we all enjoyed especially on the way out doing the adventure playground. We'll be gong back for some of the events they have organised.

I enjoy it here. I think the park needs a bit of an overhaul, it's starting to get old but it is good. The park must have been there 10+ years from when I was little. The new benches are a great touch all around the lake. Cheap day out! Love it

This is a lovely place to come for a walk with the kids looking for "rocks". Not many to be found today. We come here a lot with a picnic and get a cuppa from the cafe. Today sadly a lot of irresponsible dog owners who can't be bothered to clean up after there dogs. Spoil it for everyone.

I like coming here, love the walk around, the benches outside could do with renewing, and the food and drink is expensive, £2 for an ice cream, but it's an excellent space for kids to run, and play in the parks, just wish kids would learn not to chase and upset the birds, really annoys me