Popular Surrey attraction to get major revamp including largest indoor play area in the South East

Joseph Bickle
·4-min read
A CGI of the planned outdoor area for Birdworld, this is set to feature a magical ‘Spriglet Village’, perfect for exploration
-Credit: (Image: Birdworld)


A popular Surrey attraction will undergo a multi-million pound redevelopment including the largest indoor play area in the region and huge new outdoor playground. Birdworld's major revamp has been granted planning permission by East Hampshire District Council.

The 26-acre park will be transformed into a year-round destination inspired by the natural landscape. The approved plans also include demolishing neighbouring Forest Lodge Garden Centre. It will be replaced with a new garden centre with restaurant, covered and open sales areas and a warehouse.

As part of the renovations, Birdworld has made the decision to permanently close the Jenny Wren Farm, which has been a feature of the park since 1990. The farm which has been a favourite with visitors over the years, includes goats, rabbits, Mangalitza pigs and Whitefaced Woodland sheep.

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The new play barn will feature a 1,500-square-foot café and play area filled with imaginative birdhouses, slides, tunnels across multiple levels, a large net play area, interconnected platforms and sensory ‘Spriglet’ houses with puzzle boards and interactive features. There will also be a dedicated toddler zone for the youngest children to explore safely.

Matt Hill, Birdworld director, said: "We want Birdworld to be a place of wonder and learning for all families. Our new play areas are designed to spark imagination and joy while remaining accessible to everyone.

"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. We’re ensuring all of the farm’s animals are rehomed in carefully selected environments where they’ll continue to thrive.”

The outdoor plays areas are set to be incorporated fully with the area's natural landscape, taking advantage of its many trees to create an environment which encourages young ones to let out their imagination. It will feature bird nest towers, connecting bridges, and a spiral clamber net. There will also be a magical ‘Spriglet Village’, Birdworld's new loveable creatures, perfect for exploring with pathways for all heights, meaning everyone can experience the magic.

A CGI image of the plans for Birdworld's indoor play area, which will feature imaginative birdhouses, slides, tunnels across multiple levels, a large net play area and much more.
A CGI image of the plans for Birdworld's indoor play area, which will feature imaginative birdhouses, slides, tunnels across multiple levels, a large net play area and much more. -Credit:Birdworld

Birdworld first opened in Holt Pound near Farnham in 1968, and has always aimed to encourage families to learn and play, and the new renovation plans are only set to encourage this even more. Birdworld wants to strengthen its commitment to conservation and expanding its bird homing facilities which includes more than 1,000 birds and 180 species. These plans include expanded breeding programmes and an increased priority of support for endangered bird species.

As part of this plan, Birdworld is aiming to foster new collaborations with zoological and conservation organisations, as well as support both public and private breeding efforts through its upgraded facilities.

Mr Hill added: “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.”

The plans, approved on Thursday, October 31, will also see the number of staff employed by Birdworld and Forest Lodge increase from 117 in total to 156, this figure includes all full-time, part-time and seasonal/holiday staff. There will also be new car parking areas for Birdworld and Forest Lodge and a new roundabout will be created on the A325 to improve access to both venues. The existing Forest Lodge access will be closed and removed.

A total of 20 letters were recieved by the council about the plans, five in support, two neutral and 13 objecting. Concerns raised by neighbours included overdevelopment of the site, increased traffic and pollution in the area, that the plans are not in keeping with the rural nature of the area and green areas within the site may be lost.

Further phases of the Birdworld renovation plans are set to be officially announced once the indoor and outdoor play areas have been completed. Some of these plans include a water play area, which is set to be inspired by bird baths. If this water play area is to be implemented, it would include design elements such as fountains, wooden troughs, and sluice gates, alongside low-level log seating and staggered platforms to ensure wheelchair users can fully engage with the experience.

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