Nature Discovery Centre

The Nature Discovery Centre offers a great day out for all the family

The Nature Discovery Centre is packed full of interactive wildlife and natural history displays. There is a network of footpaths ranging from small family-friendly walks to longer paths for the more adventurous. Surrounded by a mosaic of different habitats, there is fantastic wildlife to see all year round.

Where to find us

We are located between Thatcham and Newbury, a short distance off the A4 at:

Nature Discovery Centre, Muddy Lane, Lower Way, Thatcham, Berkshire, RG19 3FU

Find us on Google Maps or What3Words: shadow.statue.hello

Download a map and directions

Tel: 01635 874381

Email: ndc@bbowt.org.uk

Opening times

Monday: Closed except during school holidays
Tuesday-Sunday: 10am-4pm for the Visitor Centre, shop and toilets (Café: 10am-3.30pm)

Christmas times: We are closed 23-26 December and 30 December. Open all other days including New Year’s Day.

January: We will be closed for essential ash dieback work from 6-17 January 2025.

Facilities include:

• Lakeside café offering delicious hot and cold refreshments
• Gift shop with a great range of wildlife themed gifts, toys and books
• Venue hire for special occasions, meetings and conferences
• Adventure Playgrounds
• Picnic facilities
• Toilets, disabled toilets and baby changing
• Signposted walk routes and seasonal Wildlife Discovery Trail
• Thatcham Community Orchard

Ash dieback: notice of site closure 6-17 January 2025

Sadly, ash trees at the Nature Discovery Centre have been affected by ash dieback, a serious disease that weakens trees and increases the risk of them falling or losing branches. To ensure the safety of our visitors and protect the surrounding area, we need to carry out essential tree felling work this winter.

To carry out this essential work, the Nature Discovery Centre, including the car park, paths and playground, will be closed from Monday 6 January to Friday 17 January. We’ve scheduled the work during winter to minimise disruption to birds and other wildlife.

We understand this will change the appearance of the site, but we’re committed to restoring it. Plans are already underway to plant new trees with the help of the local community, ensuring the area remains a haven for nature and visitors.

For further information about the work, please contact the Nature Discovery Centre on ndc@bbowt.org.uk or 01635 874381.

You can find more information about ash dieback disease and the impact it is having across the country at: bbowt.org.uk/ash-dieback

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Get the most from your visit

Access

The centre, cafe and toilets are wheelchair accessible. The Red Trail around the lake is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs; a mobility Tramper vehicle is available to borrow free of charge on a first come, first served basis. Click here to book the Tramper or call 01635 874381 for same-day reservations.

Walking information

Gentle slopes, gates, benches, and unsurfaced paths may become muddy in wet weather. There are trails suitable for all abilities.

Volunteer-led walks around the reserve help visitors learn about what birds they can see and hear during their visit. Check below for upcoming bird walks.