Birdworld’s multi-million-pound redevelopment gains planning approval transforming the 26-acre park into a year-round destination

Located in Farnham, Surrey Birdworld aims to lead conservation efforts through captive breeding, habitat preservation, education, and community engagement.

Following getting the green light to start work on a multi-million redevelopment, Birdworld has chosen to collaborate with Greenspan Projects Ltd- a specialist in creative design and construction for the visitor attraction industry to transform the park into a year-round destination.

Through an enchanting forest concept, families will have opportunities to learn and play throughout the Park, including an indoor 1,500-square-foot café and play area - a colourful, weatherproof space for younger children, making it the largest indoor play zone in the region.

The indoor area will be filled with imaginative birdhouses, slides, and tunnels across multiple levels, including a dedicated toddler zone for safe exploration, a large net play area with soft elements, interconnected platforms and sensory ‘Spriglet’ houses with puzzle boards and interactive features.

Outdoors, Birdworld’s play scheme will blend with the natural landscape, using the Park’s trees to create an immersive environment. Featuring bird nest towers, connecting bridges, and a spiral clamber net, the area will let children explore as if they were part of the woodland.

As part of a phased approach, Birdworld hope to incorporate a Water Play area, offering children a unique way to connect with nature through interactive water elements inspired by bird baths. If implemented, this area would feature accessible design elements such as fountains, wooden troughs, and sluice gates, along with low-level log seating and staggered platforms to ensure the experience can be suitable for wheelchair users.

As part of the redevelopment, Birdworld has also made the decision to close Jenny Wren Farm, a Park feature since 1990.

Matt Hill, Birdworld Director commented -

"While it’s a difficult decision, the closure of Jenny Wren Farm allows us to dedicate our efforts to enhancing our play areas, bird habitats and advancing our conservation initiatives," said Matt. “We’re ensuring all of the farm’s animals are rehomed in carefully selected environments where they’ll continue to thrive.”

He continued: “However, access to the pre-school play area by the farm is still available until the newly developed play facilities are open.”

Home to over 1,000 birds across 181 species, the team at Birdworld said it will strengthen its commitment to conservation through expanded breeding programmes, prioritised support for endangered species, and professional development for its team. The Park’s grounds will feature upgraded facilities to support both public and private breeding efforts, fostering new collaborations with zoological and conservation organisations worldwide.

Matt said: “We’re excited to welcome our loyal visitors and friends of Birdworld into this new chapter. It’s a hugely exciting time, and we can’t wait to share it with everyone who’s been part of our journey so far.”