Hidden Haven

Tucked away in the Old Arboretum, Westonbirt’s bird hide is one of the site's best-kept secrets. It sits quietly among mature trees and hazel fencing woven from wood coppiced right on the estate. It’s a cool, shady spot to watch the summer rush of woodland birds.

Summer is a fascinating time to visit. The frantic energy of spring nesting is over, and the arboretum is now alive with newly fledged young finding their wings, demanding food, and learning the ropes. Because the feeders right outside the hide stay busy, visitors get rare, close-up views of species that usually stay hidden deep in the thick summer canopy.

Regulars include nuthatches, chaffinches, robins, goldcrests, and a variety of tits - blue, great, coal, and long-tailed. The fledglings' antics on the feeders are a major draw, prompting one visitor to comment, “Always a joy to see a flock of long-tailed tits acrobatically feeding on the fat balls!”

The sharply marked great spotted woodpeckers are another highlight. They often bring their young to the feeders and are considered the real prize of a visit by many. You might also spot the resident ravens. They are the largest members of the crow family, and their sudden appearances against the bright summer sky tend to trigger audible gasps of excitement.

Last year, a few lucky people caught sight of a hawfinch - the UK’s largest finch and a species of high conservation concern. It's an elusive, shy bird with a heavy bill and chunky silhouette that usually sticks to the highest treetops. Its brief stop gave visitors, staff, and volunteers a rare chance to see the bird up close as it paused to feed during migration.

“I regularly take groups to the hide as part of our Westonbirt Wellbeing sessions. Sitting in the hide, watching the birds feed whilst listening to birdsong floating in from the trees outside is such a lovely, mindful activity. Research shows that bird watching can help foster a deeper connection with nature, making us healthier and happier.” - Mandy Leivers, Community Coordinator.

The hide itself was overhauled by Westonbirt’s Estate Volunteers in 2021 as part of a John Muir Award project. They replaced the fencing, fixed up the structure, and improved the surrounding habitat to support local wildlife. Inside, it's straightforward and practical: you'll find benches, a bird ID chart, and a view framed by trees.