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.
From towering sea cliffs, rolling hills and heaths to the dunes and sandy beaches of Studland, nowhere else packs such a variety of landscapes into such a small area.
As a result, Purbeck is the richest place for plant life in Britain, home to 14 out of 17 British bat species and supports all six native reptiles.
A 280 acre paradise of sea cliffs, coastal limestone downland, meadows, hedgerows and woods.
Durlston Country Park, National Nature Reserve and Castle is a mile from Swanage in Dorset. This countryside paradise has stupendous views, the Great Globe (a huge recreation of planet Earth), a variety of walks and fascinating geology - there's always something new to see and do.
Washington Wetland Centre, set on the banks of the River Wear, is a perfect destination for every type of group. In particular, we welcome school groups of all sizes, all year round.
Get close to rare and exotic birds, mammals and different wetland habitats. Walk with a warden, bug hunt or tour the duckery. You’ll also see colourful flamingos and the rarest goose in the world!
Our 450 acre mosaic of pools, lagoons, reed beds, marshes and meadows provides a wildlife haven.
Hand feed the rarest goose in the world, see our colourful flamingos, go bug hunting or pond dipping, enjoy bird watching from our hides and explore the reserve to see butterflies, dragonflies and more!
Old Rectory Farm has been fully restored and operates as a demonstration farm, showing city dwellers traditional methods of farming. animals kept at the farm include Jersey cattle, pigs, goats, ponies, ducks, chickens and geese.
Sheldon Country Park covers an area of just over 300 acres, comprising open grassland, wetlands, old hedgerows and some mature woodland.
One of the UK's largest urban Nature Reserves at a whopping 247 acres including a wide range of habitats great for exploring and nature spotting: woodlands, grasslands, heath land and wetlands plus way marked Nature and Sculpture Trails if you’re nervous about getting lost… given the size of the place a reasonable concern!
An urban oasis for wildlife and people, just 10 minutes from Hammersmith. Stroll among the lakes, ponds and gardens. The café is perfect for relaxing, and kids will love the play areas.
Book a guided learning session
Step into a wilder world where wilderness and family-friendliness combine. Come and enjoy each season, from ducklings to migrating swans - you’ll be amazed at how close you can get to fantastic wetland wildlife.
Book a guided learning session
Get up close to Ireland's largest collection of native and exotic waterbirds, bats and migrant birds whilst taking in stunning estuary views. Our spring duckery tour is an unforgettable experience.
Sweeping along the edge of the North Coast, this two-mile stretch of golden sand is one of Northern Ireland's finest beaches and affords views of Inishowen headland and Mussenden Temple perched atop the cliffs. It is an ideal place for lazy picnics, quad-pod rides, surfing, slacklining and long walks into the sand dunes where wild pansy flowers dance in the breeze and common blue and dark gree
This spectacular stretch of coastline offers fine views and hidden delights. Heading north from Polzeath discover Pentire Point and The Rumps, views of which inspired First World War poet Lawrence Binyon.
The fishing villages of Polperro and Looe are ideal starting points to explore this part of South East Cornwall. With a range of walks for all abilities there are some great opportunities for everyone to take in this unspoilt coast along the South West Coast Path.
Now the UK’s largest collection of parrots with nearly 2,000 birds covering over 100 species, but there’s not just parrots here, you will also see Marmosets, Meerkats, Lemurs, Giant Tortoises, Snakes, Kookaburras and many more.
Centres around a Tropical House in a spectacular jungle-like setting which includes a large water feature containing Red-Eared and other Terrapins. The outside exhibits include capuchin monkeys, meerkats, ring tailed lemur and more plus plenty of bird exhibits.
Noah's Ark Zoo Farm is home to rhinos, giraffe, leopards, tigers, elephants and lions - all the biggest zoo animals!
We also have 12 huge indoor and outdoor play areas.
You can get hands on with the farm animals and learn more about the wildlife from our zookeepers at one of the Zookeeper Talks.
School Visits
Blackpool Zoo is the perfect destination for your school or group. Outdoor, healthy exercise combined with a unique learning experience and over 1000 animals. Education programmes are curriculum-led from Nursery to post-graduate and extra experiences are available for non-uniform groups. We also offer discounts on admission for school groups.
Learning through discovery is just one of the reasons to book your group visit to Willows Farm Village.
A Tudor farm, steeped in history, surrounded by a lovely park that is full of informal walks with plenty of wildlife to enjoy.
The animals are always around to meet in the enclosures and include Norfolk Black Turkeys, pigs, Shropshire sheep, Hereford cattle, plus a number of chickens, guinea fowl, ducks and geese!
A friendly farm park with a host of attractions for all ages. Including a petting farm, adventure playground, zip slide, trampolines, an all-weather indoor play barn, restaurant and shop. The park provides a safe environment perfect for little ones.
Features include an adventure playground, picnic sites, BBQ stands and bird watching area. Also the starting point for numerous self-guided walking and family cycling trails, including routes for people with disabilities.
A complete off road Pony Trekking Centre. All Weather riding all year round, even in the snow! Disabled customers catered for, Treks suitable for all levels of rider available, We cater for ages 4 upwards.
Look out for the Buzzards and Herons flying overhead whilst taking a trail ride around the Nature Reserve or a cheeky woodpecker in the woods!
Wood Lane is a man-made nature reserve on restored quarry workings. A visit here offers the unique opportunity to combine wildlife sessions with a tour of the working sand and gravel quarry, active landfill site and the largest material recycling facility in Europe.Toilets, disabled access, classroom, coach parking.
Activity examples:
The Nancy Oldfield Trust offers disabled and socially disadvantaged people excitement, freedom, adventure and provide wheelchair access on the Norfolk Broads. Established in 1984 we are the only facility of our kind in East Anglia, providing a wide range of activities and opportunities for our visitors.
Shropshire based petting farm and zoo with over 150 different species of animal. Indoor and outdoor demonstrations take place daily including lamb feeding, sheep racing; meet the meerkats and egg collecting. The farm also has an indoor and outdoor play area, cafe and gift shop.
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.
A 15-year-old boy fell 60ft over the edge of a cliff whilst on a geography school trip, miraculously only suffering minor injuries.