Step into nature
Packed with habitats, teeming with flora and fauna, our species-rich, internationally recognised nature reserve is ready and waiting – whether you want to huddle in a bird hide or have an off-road adventure. What will you discover?
Enjoy a bird’s eye view
From family-friendly bird hides and unique habitats to enchanting wildflowers, unique experiences, and off-road adventures – our nature reserve has it all. Explore wetlands and hedgerows, woodland and riverbanks, and farmland and water meadows, all from our easy-to-follow trails.
Bird hides
Got twitchy feet? Pick up a pair of binoculars and settle into our seven family-friendly bird hides across the Nature Reserve. With seasonal migrants and a growing number of resident birds, there are plenty of squawkers to gawk at.
Wader Scrape
Set off for our shingle and sand island paradise – the perfect place to spot breeding waders, wintering waterfowl, and birds of prey from two hides. You’ll be in good company too – it was a popular filming location for BBC Springwatch.
Wader Aviary
Wade right in (figuratively speaking) and soak up our protected microclimate. Designed around the stone walls of a former bullock pen, our mixed aviary is the ideal way to observe waders feeding, resting and nesting as they would in the wild.
Wildflower Meadow
There’s a real buzz in the air at our traditionally managed wildflower meadow. As you wander along the boardwalk, keep your eyes peeled for dragonflies, butterflies and demoiselle damselflies, or idle away the hours surrounded by over 80 grass and flowers species.
Pensthorpe Explorer
Climb aboard the Pensthorpe Explorer and get ready to go off-road. Explore hidden corners of the estate inaccessible on foot while you learn about our conservation projects and farming practices. Perfect for when little legs are tired or long legs want a bit more adventure.
Walks and talks
Want to know what life’s really like as a Pensthorpe park warden or get up close with some of our feathered friends at feeding time? Join our experts for a range of eye-opening wildlife experiences to learn more about the plants and personalities that call Pensthorpe home.
