Summer Leys Visitor Centre

The centre is currently CLOSED for the winter months and will be back open from March-October, Friday-Sunday: 10am-4:30pm, plus bank holiday Mondays. Please check back for official opening date.

Please note the toilets will be locked outside of opening hours, members can request the padlock code by emailing summerleys@wildifebcn.org with proof of membership.

• Visitor centre (currently CLOSED for winter)
• Refreshments (hot drinks, cold drinks, ice creams and snacks)
• Compost toilets (please note toilets are locked when the visitor centre is closed. If you are a member of The Wildlife Trust BCN, please email summerleys@wildlifebcn.org with proof of membership and we can give you the code for use out of hours).
• Disabled toilet
• Picnic area

It is CARD ONLY payments at the centre, we are unable to take any cash.

The majority of the reserve is on gravel paths which are wheelchair and pushchair friendly but other sections may be impassable at times, particularly in winter when paths may become very muddy.  We have a supply of radar keys available to borrow for kissing gates around the reserve, please pop by the visitor centre during opening hours to pick one up upon leaving a small deposit. If you would like to reserve a key ahead of your visit please email summerleys@wildlifebcn.org

Car park off Hardwater Road to Wollaston. Car park open 05:00-23:00.

Car parking charges will apply and Wildlife Trust BCN members will need to register their vehicle to park for free (please allow 2-3 business days for your request to be processed). £4 for 4 hours or £6 for the full day.

Please note the machine is CARD PAYMENTS ONLY.

Register your vehicle here

Engaging with and inspiring the next generation is a big part of our work at Summer Leys and we have a designated education area to allow us to cater for larger groups.

We are able to offer a range of activities and programmes tailored to different age groups, providing students with the opportunity to explore and and learn about some of our wonderful wildlife. We are also able to offer some outreach opportunities including school assemblies and talks.

Some of our school programmes include:

Reception to Year One: Wild Adventures in the Nene Valley

Come and join us our Summer Leys nature reserve to learn all about the wonderful wildlife that lives here. We offer a variety of activities from minibeasting to birdwatching, with exciting games and practical activities to help the children learn about and explore the natural world around them.

This school visit is tailored to younger children in reception and year one, and runs from March-October

Year Two to Year Six: Our Wild Wetlands

Come with us to explore our wetlands to see the wonderful wildlife that lives at Summer Leys, and discover how important these habitats are to these species. From activities such as minibeasting to birdwatching, the children will have the chance to get stuck in with practical elements that allow them to have fun and learn about our wild wetlands.

This school visit is aimed at year two to six and runs from March- October

If you are interested in an assembly or bringing a group to Summer Leys and would like more information on these programmes or would like to discuss other options, please contact us at summerleys@wildlifebcn.org.

We rely on the help of volunteers to run our visitor centre and our activities. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact us at summerleys@wildlifebcn.org or pop in and see us.

Summer Leys Visitor Centre, Hardwater Road, Wollaston, Wellingborough, NN29 7TD.

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