Get a better view of our new look

Our brighter, better shop reopened yesterday, so it’s a big welcome back to our regular and a big welcome new customers.  Chris Lusted explains what we’ve been up to.

With better, more efficient lighting that reduces our carbon footprint, a new and improved binocular and telescope display, and new entrance and shop displays, the Visitor Centre has taken on a new look.  We’ve had a really busy first Saturday, and it’s great to see so many people getting out to enjoy wildlife, enjoying the views from our larger hide windows and seeing the work we've done to restore some of the old ponds.

For me, the new binocular and telescope display is particularly welcome with a chance to display our wide range of binoculars, telescopes, tripods and accessories at eye-level. There are binoculars on a new display shelf for a hands-on try.  Should you be unsure about choosing your binoculars or telescopes, please don’t hesitate to ask us for advice and help.  If you would like support from a specialist advisor or would like to come in at a time to suit you, we continue to offer our successful one-hour demonstration service. You can pre-book your own demo by calling in or phoning the reserve on 01492 584091.

As spring moves closer, perhaps your interest in wildlife is being re-awakened?  You reach into the cupboard for the pair of binoculars that have been there for years, but decide that your Uncle’s wartime 12x50s don’t really do the job.  You decide it’s time to upgrade, but are wary about how much a new pair will cost?  It’s not as bad as you may think.  Our range of WPG binoculars offer excellent all-round performance and are a favourite of our volunteers, with an average price of just under £200.  That may seem expensive, but if you have them for 10 years, that will cost you less than 5.5p per day.  Or take a pair of our top HD binoculars that the reserve wardens use.  At under £500 a pair, they cost less than 13.7p per day.  Beat that for value, especially if you use them regularly.  Yes we are in tough financial times, but since it costs over £50 just to fill a small car with fuel , the cost of a quality pair of binoculars does not seem so bad after all.

So, get out and about this spring, take out those new binoculars you have always promised yourself and enjoy the wildlife and landscape around you.