Amazona Zoo is one of Norfolk’s most fun days out and provides a full day of action-packed adventure and discovery for the whole family.
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
Battersea Park Children's Zoo invites you to check on the monkeys, crawl down the tunnel to see the meerkats, talk to the parrots and mynah birds, on to the farm to say hello to the goats, donkeys, pigs, emus etc. Playground which includes climbing frames,large sandpit with water toys, swings and roundabouts etc.
The Trust is an award winning visitor attraction and registered charity dedicated to the conservation of birds of prey. We work with many organisations and conservation groups across the world to deliver conservation programmes, education projects and to generate environmental awareness for the benefit of birds of prey and their habitats.
A Falconry centre with over 70 beautiful birds of prey, and over 30 species, including American Kestrel, Snowy Owl, Saker Falcon, Golden Eagle, Griffon Vulture and loads more! There are great opportunities to meet some of these birds at close quarters, and to take some great photos of the flying birds, without the barrier of cages or netting.
Calderglen children's zoo opened in 1982 and is home to over 50 different species, some of which are critically endangered. Being about an acre in size, the zoo specialises in small creatures and amongst the ornamental gardens and Conservatory you'll discover meerkats, families of monkeys, noisy Kookaburras, cheeky Ring-tailed Coati, and Burrowing Owls.
The aim of Camperdown Wildlife Centre's education programme is to supply the highest standard of zoological education to visitors using every possible resource that is available to education staff.
We have a whopping 12,000 animals at the zoo from 400 different species.
About half those species are on the threatened list. We’re one of the world’s leading centres for conservation, working in the UK and worldwide to help protect animals and plants from extinction.
The Little Zoo With Lots To Do
Lakeland Wildlife Oasis is a unique and exciting blend of exotic wildlife and interactive hands-on displays, which take you through 3,000 million years of evolution and follows the development of life on Earth - from magic molecules to mischievous monkeys.
The UK's No. 1 Safari Park
Longleat Safari and Adventure Park, in Wiltshire, was opened in 1966 and was the first drive-through safari park outside Africa.
Your drive-through safari adventure will take you unbelievably close to creatures you’ve only dreamed about. So mind the zebras crossing, give the rhinos right of way, watch out for the wolves and beware of the meddling monkeys.
Pride of Pembrokeshire
Amazing adventures, penguin parties, toddler takeovers, cwtch corners, and zoo keeper experiences are all ways to d
Amazon World Zoo Park has a huge range of unusual rare and exotic animals. At the last count it was somewhere in the region of 200 different species, spanning the entire animal kingdom!
We have mammals, reptiles, birds, insects, spiders, fish and amphibians. Botany is important too.
Education and Exploration
Enlighten and Inspire, Educate and Energise
Come and see our variety of exotic animals.
We invite you to use our park as a living classroom, a place to educate and inspire, to increase understanding and respect for animals and the environment.
Free Daily Keeper Talks:
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12pm Elephants
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12:30pm Giraffe
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2pm Tigers
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14:30 Rhino
Best known for its magnificent waterfall - the fifth highest in the UK - and uniquely dramatic scenery, Grey Mare's Tail is a superb example of a hanging valley. The area boasts a rich history as well, and is important for its rare upland plants and wildlife.
School visits can be arranged by contacting the Property Manager on 07713 786230.
The Hebridean island of Iona has a significant history and a special, spiritual atmosphere that continues to attract and inspire thousands of visitors each year.
School visits are welcome, with environmental activities led by the Mull and Iona Ranger Service. Prior booking is required.
A typical Scottish laird's residence brimming with family treasures, Leith Hall is set in a scenic estate containing a beautiful garden that overlooks some of Aberdeenshire's finest rolling countryside.
Schools are welcome for tours of the House, Garden & Estate. The gardens and estate provide a wonderful opportunity for schools to explore their natural surroundings.
The heart of the property is the formal walled garden originally laid out in 1675 by Sir Alexander Seton. In the 1950s, the Trust set about re-creating the gardens following designs dating from the 17th century.
Conservation through education
Galloway Wildlife Conservation Park set in 27 acres of mixed woodland, is the wild animal conservation centre of southern Scotland.
A varied collection of nearly 150 animals from all over the world can be seen within the peaceful and natural settings where the woodland has been tailored to provide large and imaginative enclosures.
Schools & Groups
Animals are fascinating whatever their size, shape or behaviour and at Banham Zoo you can get a unique opportunity to see some incredible animals naturally demonstrating just how amazing they are!
Dollar Glen has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest because of its range of wildlife habitats and important geological features.
The whole area is a haven for wildlife, and the scenery is spectacular. There are a selection of activities available to suit schools' needs, covering natural heritage, geology, cultural heritage and food and farming topics.
Otter, Owl and Wildlife Park
From the giant otter to polecats and free-roaming deer, there's something for all the family at the Chestnut Centre. In beautiful grounds of the Derbyshire Peak district, with a stream running through the valley, home to four species of otter, owls, pine martens, foxes, Scottish wildcats and sika.
A Bird of Prey Centre with a collection of over 50 hawks, falcons and owls, including some babies! Daily flying displays and a Pets Corner with rabbits, guinea pigs, a donkey, a ferret, sheep and more, to meet and feed.
There is a diverse range of owls such as Boobook owls, African Spotted Eagle owls, and Tawny and Common Owls.
Discover over 270 species...
Here are just some of the attractions here at Colchester Zoo:
The most famous Scottish glen is also one of its most dramatic, with forbidding mountains, thundering waterfalls and sparkling lochs. Before you explore, find out more about the landscape, history and wildlife at the award-winning Glencoe Visitor Centre.
West Affric is a vast and remote expanse of wild land, ideally suited to adventurous walkers who want to get off the beaten track.
It is situated at the western end of Glen Affric - sometimes described as the most beautiful of all the Scottish glens.
Please contact the National Trust for Scotland Ranger Service to find about activities suitable for groups.
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