Natural World

Beale Park

Lower Basildon,
nr Reading,
RG8 9NH
Tel: 0118 984 5172
Web: http://www.bealepark.co.uk

There is lots to do and see in a beautiful parkland setting beside the Thames, with collections of rare pheasants, owls, parrots and water-fowl, unusual breeds of sheep and cattle as well as a narrow gauge railway, pets corner, model boats display and picnic and play areas.

Bucklebury Farm Park

Bucklebury
Reading
Berkshire
RG7 6RR
Tel: 0118 971 4002
Web: http://www.buckleburyfarmpark.co.uk

Free tractor and trailer rides through the deer park with an opportunity to hand feed the tamer members of the herd. Lots of animals to pat and feed including donkeys, ponies, goats, sheep, wild boar and our resident llama. Also indoor-slides, adventure playground, nature trail, picnic area & refreshments.

The Look Out Discovery Centre

Nine Mile Ride
Bracknell
Berkshire
RG12 7QW
Tel: 01344 354 400
Web: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/lookout

A hands-on, interactive science and nature exhibition, featuring over 70 exhibits. Launch a hot-air balloon, climb through a giant mole hole or freeze your shadow on a wall. Lookout tower, gift shop, coffee shop, children's play area, picnic area and car parking. In the surrounding 2,600 acres of Crown Estate woodland visitors can enjoy nature walks, cycle trails and even a heritage trail to Caesar's camp the remains of an Iron Age hill fort.

Nature Discovery Centre

Muddy Lane
Lower Way
Thatcham
Newbury
RG19 3FU
Tel: 01635 874 381
Web: www.westberks.gov.uk/

A truly unique giant display of the lake and reedbeds to help you discover their diversity of life forms. Featuring fish tanks filled with creatures from the lake, peep holes to peer down and seasonal displays. Upstairs you'll find a host of interactive activities about local wildlife and natural history, including bird song panels and telescopes.

The Living Rainforest

Hampstead Norreys
Thatcham
Newbury
Bershire
RG18 0TN
Tel: 01635 202444
Web: www.livingrainforest.org

Experience the sheer beauty of this unique conservation project in two different rainforest climates under 20,000 sq ft of glass. A stunning collection of dramatic and rare plant species and creatures of the rainforest that thrive in tropical temperatures, and a rare opportunity to see some of the wonderful plants and wildlife that the world is losing as rainforests disappear.

UK Wolf Conservation Trust

Butler's Farm
Beenham
Reading
Berkshire
RG7 5NT
Tel: 0118 971 3330
Web: www.ukwolf.org

A unique and very special chance to interact with wolves. Visiting membership to the Wolf Centre for member and two guests on a weekday is available but visits must be pre-arranged. Activities for children are held in every school holiday include a Walk with Wolves (minimum age 6+) with wolf contact, Wolf Keeper Days, storytelling events and craft workshops. Pre-booking is essential as numbers are limited.

The Herb Farm

Peppard Road
Sonning Common
Reading
RG4 9NJ
Tel: 0118 972 4220
Web: http://www.herbfarm.co.uk

The Herb Farm enjoys a rural setting centred on its picturesque C18th barn. Comprehensive range of herbs, cottage garden plants and old-style roses; display gardens where plants can be seen in mature settings; the new purpose-built barn shop, displaying products demonstrating the versatility of herbs; the Saxon Maze with a mile of curving grass pathways; and Daisy's Coffee Shop offering freshly prepared food and drinks.