Bird spotting is an inevitable part of your holiday at one of the Best of British parks. With so many of the parks being located in beautiful countryside, near woodland and with lakes on site, seeing wildlife is a bonus of holidaying at home. We are always amazed to see the variety of different birds captured on camera at the parks. We would definitely recommend taking your binoculars and camera with you. In advance of your trip you could take a look at the RSPB Birds A – Z guide, so that when our parks re-open, you'll be armed and ready to bird spot! Here's our pick of bird spotting at the parks.
Bath Chew Valley Caravan Park, near Bath
Bath Chew Valley are ready for bird spotting aficionados, but if you're a beginner fear not! They have placed a helpful information board on one of their flora and fauna woodland walks to help you identify our feathered friends. This peaceful park is based on a garden theme, with pitches set among lawns, shrubs and flower beds. The surrounding country park is a haven for bird-watchers and walkers. Why not photograph the board at the start of your walk so you have it with you as you walk through this bird haven.
Waterrow Touring Park, Somerset
The Waterrow website contains some beautiful bird photos and it's not surprising, as the park has a strong passion for the environment and natural world. The team have achieved a number of prestigious David Bellamy Award, recognising their commitment to conservation. The second image shows a Goldfinch, the most colourful of the finches. Less of a garden visitor than other species, you'll certainly won't miss it with its striking facial pattern of red, black and white and yellow wing flashes. You can enjoy the wildlife on the tranquil riverside and woodland walks, where woodpeckers, kingfishers and dippers are regular visitors. The walks are identified by the marked footpaths and a there's also a network of lanes to explore. Hopefully you'll have lots of opportunities for bird photos like these!
The Old Brick Kilns, Norfolk
The Old Brick Kilns recently shared this fabulous photo of some blue Dunnock eggs. The Dunnock (commonly referred to as the hedge sparrow), lays eggs that are sky blue in colour and are often found in a nest of grass, leaves or roots. The Old Brick Kilns is based just 8 miles from the North Norfolk coast and is in a beautiful natural setting, with a wildlife pond, landscaped garden areas and wildflower banks. The park is mostly sheltered, divided into woody pockets and open areas, perfect for some wildlife spotting!
Craigtoun Meadows Holiday Park, Fife
The team at Craigtoun Meadows managed to snap this photo of a visiting Goldcrest to the park. The smallest bird in Europe isn't always the easiest thing to spot, let alone photograph! The Goldcrest can be found in all types of woodland, although it prefers to nest in conifers in a cup nest usually suspended from a branch. Wildlife is a common sight here, the park has been awarded the David Bellamy Gold Conservation Award for 18 consecutive years. Craigtoun Meadows is a beautiful, quiet park surrounded by woodland and is situated on the outskirts of the historic town of St Andrews, close to the Old Course. Definitely one for wildlife spotting (and golfers!).
Hidden Valley Park, Devon
Hidden Valley Park have had an unexpected visitor in the form of this Jay. Based in a wooded valley close to North Devon's pristine beaches, it's no surprise this Jay came to say hello. However, they are normally quite difficult to spot as they are shy woodland birds, rarely moving far from their habitat. They are the most colourful members of the crow family, their colouring making them easy to spot. They're well known for their acorn feeding habits and in the autumn they can be seen burying acorns to see them through the winter. There are lots of secluded woodland trails in the surrounding area where this Jay has probably been residing. The park is home to a lake and beautiful gardens too, so who wouldn't want to visit?!
Brighouse Bay Holiday Park, Dumfries and Galloway
Brighouse Bay shared this image of some visiting ducks recently and they look right at home. In fact, they may well have taken up residence by now! Set alongside the stunning coastline of Dumfries and Galloway, the park is surrounded by farmland and has a beautiful long sandy beach just metres away. The park is perfectly positioned for enjoying the Scottish countryside and various on park pursuits such as fishing, walking and pony trekking. Or if you're a duck, enjoy just passing the time of day on the lake!
Green Hill Farm Caravan and Camping Park, Wiltshire
Green Hill Farm near Salisbury has also had some unexpected visitors! These Canadian Geese aren't a complete surprise though, as their habitat includes lakes and rivers. Green Hill Farm has three lakes, two of which are stocked with a variety of fish. The park is a peaceful hide-away with an abundance of wildlife on the edge of the New Forest. It is perfectly located to discover the peace and beauty of the New Forest National Park and the various activities nearby.
All the Best of British holiday parks look forward to welcoming visitors back when Government advice permits them to do so.
