The Nature Discovery Centre

The Nature Discovery Centre is a visitor facility located on a large nature reserve near Thatcham featuring a lake, wooded sections, reedbeds, and hedgerow habitats. The reserve supports diverse bird populations and insect species that change seasonally throughout the year.

The reserve was established by the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust as an educational facility to protect regional habitats and wildlife. The site has developed into a key conservation and learning hub for the local area.

The center serves as a gathering place where local schools bring children to learn about native wildlife and habitats through hands-on exploration. It functions as an outdoor classroom where visitors of all ages connect with nature through regular group activities and guided observations.

The reserve is open to visitors daily with wheelchair-accessible paths throughout the grounds and ample space for walking at a gentle pace. Facilities include a lakeside café and a gift shop, with quiet areas for birdwatching and observation.

The reserve is home to specialized beetle species including the rhinoceros and bloody-nosed varieties that most visitors do not realize are present. Wintering waterfowl such as shovelers arrive seasonally on the lake, creating peak viewing periods that draw observers seeking specific species.

Location: Thatcham

Website: http://bbowt.org.uk/nature-discovery-centre

GPS coordinates: 51.40000,-1.27382

Latest update: December 9, 2025 20:21