Birdland Park and Gardens was first established in 1957 in the Cotswold village of Bourton-on-the-Water and were one of the first Bird encounters to open in the UK. The 9-acre site is positioned on a former Bryant and May Poplar Tree plantation famous for its matchstick crop! There are still over 150 trees that create a high canopy for the River Windrush.
The beautiful setting is inhabited by over 500 birds. Flamingos, pelicans, penguins, cranes, storks, cassowary, and waterfowl can be seen in various aspects of the natural water habitat. There are also over 50 aviaries featuring parrots, falcons, pheasants, hornbills, touracos, pigeons, ibis and many more. The Desert House is home to the more delicate species, whilst the indoor Discovery Zone features egg-laying creatures including fish, amphibians and reptiles.
Marshmouth Nature Reserve opened in 2011 and has developed into a small ecosystem of the Cotswolds where over 60 species of bird have been recorded, including the kingfisher. Water voles and otters are present as well as grass snakes and hundreds of species of insects and plants.
Birdland is very conscious of its role in both education and conservation. Many of the resident species are now part of active breeding programmes controlled by studbooks in co-operation with European and International organisations. They also support conservation by raising funds and increasing public awareness through education. They have supported the research of hornbills in Asia, penguins in Africa, the Atlantic Rainforest Campaign and Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust.
