Pensthorpe Waterfowl Park and Nature Reserve Zoos

Pensthorpe is set in 500 acres of beautiful countryside with miles of nature trails to explore through ancient fen meadows, woodland and a superb series of lakes. Pensthorpe is home to a fine collection of waterfowl including endangered exotic waterfowl from around the world. Dozens of migratory bird species can be seen during the winter and summer months and our specially created hides help you get closer to nature.

Originally flooded gravel pits until the early eighties, Pensthorpe has been carefully restored as a safe haven for wildlife including the creation of islands for safe nesting areas, shallow scrapes for waders and other species and dragonfly-haunted dykes crossing wild fen meadows.

The Millennium Garden at Pensthorpe was designed by Piet Oudolf, the internationally acclaimed plantsman who has won not just a Gold Medal at The Chelsea Flower Show but also the Best in Show award. But this is not a garden of exotics, you will see familiar English herbaceous border plants used in such a way that you are prompted to look again, such is the startling effect.

Pensthorpe's bird collection is being redeveloped to breed and display many exciting species from around the world whilst specialising in European wetland species, which links with the natural habitat of Pensthorpe. The original waterfowl collection is being expanded with the White headed Duck, Ross snow geese and Bar headed geese.

Pensthorpe is designed to allow you to experience nature close-up. Enjoy the freedom of miles of peaceful footpaths meandering between series of lakes, through the finest part of the Wensum Valley and around the fen meadows within over 500 acres of undisturbed countryside. .