British Wildlife Centre

As someone who normally shoots weddings and portraits, I was very new to wildlife photography – but this course was absolutely brilliant. The day was exceptionally well run, and the venue being closed to the public made it feel really special and intimate. All the staff were friendly, welcoming, and clearly passionate about the work they do to protect and care for the animals. A huge thank you to our keeper and guide, Jess – she was simply outstanding. Her knowledge, enthusiasm, and clear love for the animals made the day even more enjoyable. While the focus of the day was very much on the animals (which was fantastic), there were plenty of opportunities to get some amazing shots. The course was well suited to all skill levels and types of equipment – in our group we had everything from iPhones to full-frame mirrorless setups with big zooms. The café had some great options too, and there was no shortage of tea and coffee throughout the day. All in all, I left with some great photos and an even greater appreciation for British wildlife. Highly recommended – both the Centre itself and the photography experience. Thank you again to Jess and all the team!

Such a lovely place. Make sure you visit each enclosure for the keeper talk as the animals only really come out then. Cafe has simple, hot and cold food. The otters are my favourite

Such a lovely centre with so much wildlife to see. The animals all seem super happy, comfortable and content. All the staff are friendly and when approached are super knowledgeable on the animals. Would definitely recommend to any animal lover!

One of the best days out I've had with my two sons aged 2 and 5. Seeing the native wildlife up close and hearing the regular keeper talks about the animals the time just flew away. A relaxed and intimate small site, we will be back soon!

Spent the best part of 5 hours at the Centre for the concessionary price of £14.50. Although initially we wondered about the value as most of the pens seemed devoid of life, we cottoned on to the half-hourly keeper talks programme where the animals were enticed out of their hidey holes on the promise of tidbits. From thence on, our visit became one that proved of immense value. The keepers were obviously caring and committed individuals, reflected in the demeanor of the animals. So very patient and obliging of both keepers and animals to spectators ... especially children and photographers. Thank you

Really lovely place to visit. So much to see and really well cared for, especially with the space and natural habitats. Lots of places to sit and just watch them. Very accessible path ways. It was on the pricey side for entry but I can see why. The animal talks were really good and lots of information. My only gripe was the toilets weren't clean. Especially the baby changing table was "filthy". We didn't use the cafe as the coffee machine was off so can't comment on that part. The gift shop was well stocked. Definitely visit again next year.

Lovely relaxed visit. All the talks were informative and friendly. Great venue encouraging visitors to be familiar with the animals and so be more aware of human actions that can damage them.

Great little place to go. Inherently a lot of the animals were asleep but it was quite hot. They have tons of tunnels that go all around the place that you can see the animals in, and great interesting enclosures. First time ever seeing red squirrels and they have so much personality???? They were hanging out with the muntjac

I got my day here as a birthday present, and it ranks as one of the best I've ever had. The Wildlife Centre is open for visitors on a timetable, and I'm sure it is worth a visit then, too, when you get to wander round and see the animals of the UK in their enclosures: Red squirrels, wildcats, foxes, otters, polecats,badgers, stoats - names that echo in your head. But the real fun is to be had when they are closed to the public. During the year, they organise photography days when the Centre is closed to the public. Then, in a small group with a keeper, you get to go inside the enclosures with the animals, the keepers work with the animals and you get the most amazing photos. I'm not a wildlife specialist, but I enjoyed this day more than I can describe in a short review.

I went along many years ago to this nature reserve and back then I really like it but now I love it. It seems to off got bigger with more enclosures and wildlife areas to watch birds at. So many sitting points around the park so you can relax and listen/watch the many animals. I especially love the red squirrel enclosure. Apparently there is only 2 Red Squirrel enclosures in England this one and the one in Escot both designed by the British Wildlife Centre. I have been to both and I would say that this original one is the best. The red squirrels run around you and sometimes on you so funny and amusing. There is several benches in the enclosure you can sit and watch the playful squirrels running around and eating at their feeding stations. This time around I went on a photography course. This course only takes place when the nature reserve is not open to public so you and approx 10 others that are on the photography course will have the park all to yourselfs. The course needs to be boked in advance and there is only a number of dates throughout the year. You are not taught in how to use your camera but I am sure if you asked questions the photographer might be able to assist you but what the photography day does do is allow you to get up closer to the animals by entering their enclosures ie otters, foxes, wild cats, etc. You get to photograph many animals during the day I especially loved it when he brought out the field mouse to photograph. I will deff visit the British Wildlife Centre again to chill and watch birds from the nature reserve area around the pond and to visit the red squirrrel enclosure again as that was amazing!.