Nature Discovery Centre

BBOWT Nature Discovery Centre (NDC) at Thatcham. Picture: Jo Thrussell

BBOWT Nature Discovery Centre (NDC) at Thatcham. Picture: Jo Thrussell

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

Download a map and directions

Tel: 01635 874381

Email: ndc@bbowt.org.uk

Opening times

Tuesday - Sunday, 10am-4pm. This includes the café, shop and outside toilets.

Reed bunting

Reed bunting by Amy Lewis

Nature reserve

Discover fantastic wildlife

Find out more
Family walk
Getting around

Reserve and trails map

Please note: there is no longer a bird hide at Thatcham Reedbeds

Download a map

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
Girl with magnifying glass
Schools

Education Centre

Learning and discovery at NDC

Find out more
Party
Venue hire

The Lakeside Room

We've got the perfect space for your special event

Hire a space

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, unsurfaced paths may become muddy in wet weather. There are trails suitable for all abilities. 

Dog walk

Bringing your dog

Dogs are welcome on the reserve, but please keep them out of the lake. We ask that you keep dogs under close control at all times. Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome inside the visitor centre.

Nature Discovery Centre by Maria Arkwright

Birds at the Nature Discovery Centre

Throughout the year, one of our volunteers surveys the species of bird found on site. Click below for a list of birds that can be seen across the seasons.

Bird list 2022 (Excel)

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.

What's on at The Nature Discovery Centre

Go wild with BBOWT!