THATCHAM NATURE DISCOVERY CENTRE

THE NATURE DISCOVERY CENTRE OFFERS A GREAT DAY OUT FOR ALL THE FAMILY

We all need nature – for clean water, food and fresh air – but nature needs us too.

Their mission is to bring about nature’s recovery by inspiring and empowering local people and partners to help bring nature back.

The Nature Discovery Centre is surrounded by a mosaic of different habitats with fantastic wildlife to see all year around, 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.

During the autumn and winter, large groups of wintering wildfowl congregate on the lake, whilst the reedbeds and surrounding woodland and hedgerows host birds like fieldfare and redwing.

In spring and summer, purpose-built rafts attract breeding common terns.

House martins, swallows and swifts are a common sight over the lake and surroundings.

In summer there are glorious displays of purple loosestrife, yellow-flag iris, reeds and sedges on the floating island, the lake shore and in the reedbeds.

All year around look out for the willow and alder around the edge of the lake, and hawthorn, blackthorn, spindle and bullace in the hedgerows.

 variety of moths and butterflies can be seen, including garden tiger, butterbur, waved black, holly blue, and gatekeeper.

There are dragonflies and damselflies including beautiful and banded demoiselles, emperor and four-spotted chaser.

A range of beetles such as bloody-nosed beetle and rhinoceros beetle have been recorded on site.

Discover autumn colours, fabulous fungi and wintering wildfowl.

Toilets, disabled toilets and baby changing.

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.

Sale site is on gravel, but access can be muddy, partial wheelchair access. Accessible toilet.

Disabled parking

Please ask the organiser when they are holding events as it maybe dependant on the event.

Dogs are welcome on the reserve, but please keep them out of the lake.

They ask that you keep dogs under close control at all times.

Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome inside the visitor centre.

Please ask the organiser when they are holding events as it maybe dependant on the event.

Shop and toilets (Café: 10am-3.30pm)