Thatcham Nature Discovery Centre closed for refurbishments

The Nature Discovery Centre in Thatcham is now closed for three weeks, for refurbishments.

The visitor centre, shop, café and toilets closed yesterday evening with works beginning this morning (Monday).

The Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT), which manages the site on behalf of West Berkshire Council, is giving the entire visitor centre a major revamp.

Most of the details of the refurbishment are being kept “under wraps” for a surprise when it reopens but the Trust has promised a new menu at the cafe and new products for its shop.

The revamp will also include a new 'bird hide in the sky' on the top floor of the building.

This new facility will enable school groups and other visitors to get a bird's eye view of the activities out on the wildlife lake.

Centre manager Steve Johnson said: “We are so excited about this revamp. The Nature Discovery Centre is more popular now than it's ever been and we want to give all our visitors the best ever experience.

"We want to thank everyone in advance for bearing with us during the closure.

“We will be working hard to get it all done as quickly as possible, and can't wait to welcome everyone back next month."

During this closure the rest of the site, including car park, playground and all footpaths around the lake, will remain open as normal.