Summer Leys

Summer Leys Nature Reserve near Wellingborough, Northants is owned and managed by the Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire and Peterborough (BCNP).  The reserve has SSSI status, an important refuge for wintering and breeding birds including golden plover, shoveler, lapwing and widgeon.  The wetland is within the Upper Nene Valley and is made up of flooded gravel pits, flood meadows, species-rich neutral grassland and mature hedges. 

There are a couple of hides overlooking the lake where you can sit and watch the moorhens, shovelers and all the other water-loving birds, the hides are very roomy - I took my wheelchair in with no problem. Incidentally, thanks to the great flat landscape of the county, the paths are a doddle!

Rare breeds of sheep graze, and there are teems of different kinds of birds, dragonflies, butterflies, all manner of bugs and plants - I am particularly hopeful one day of spotting a kingfisher and an otter.

Don't forget to take your flask of coffee and sarnies as there are picnic tables near the carpark , but alas so far I've not found the loos so it may be only suitable for just a few hours to visit if you dont live nearby.

Birdworld

Birdworld near Farnham, Surrey is a great place to go visit. It's just as nice in the winter, but you need to check if they are open in particularly bad weather. Twice a day there is a bird of prey display which is always interesting to watch, and following the progress of eggs in nests and then the subsequent babies in the various enclosures is always a delight. Notice the bald Humbolts penquin - the poor little chap was given the sleeve of a keeper's wetsuit to wear like a jumper to protect him from getting sunburn last summer!

Marwell Zoo

Marwell near Winchester is a fantastic place to spend a few hours or all day alone or with friends and family and the kids. There is always something new and different to do and see.