subject: Beale Park - A Showcase Of Exotic Fauna In Berkshire [print this page] Beale Wildlife Park and Gardens was established in 1956 by Gilbert Beale as a private venue in which to indulge his fascination of peacocks. The local kennings of the park such as Child-Beale and Peacock Farm still reflect its origins. Today is has extended its interests to more varieties of exotic avians and mammals, as well as providing a scenic urban escape of tranquil gardens and woods replete with play areas and leisure.
Located in Englands locality of Berkshire, between Pangbourne village and Lower Basildon, this exotic escape lies along the serene River Thames. The avians of the premises are allowed to roam free within the park boundaries, much to the delight of locals and tourists who wish to see these gorgeously-plumed creatures up close and personal. Most of the bird species in its aviaries are endangered species, and the park also runs a breeding programme to help propagate better numbers. Functioning also as a care centre for the feathered friends, the facility releases many of their charges back into the wild once they are deemed fit enough to survive.
The most significant residents of this facility are the Bali starlings, Green Peafowls and Mountain Peacock Pheasants, while flamingoes and rare owls are also popular with bird-watching enthusiasts. These birds are housed in large themed aviaries which are divided up according to geographic regions and the species of birds. The Owlery, walk-through aviary and the Madagascan aviary as well as one devoted entirely to flamingoes are among the major draws of the park.
Of recent years, however, the park has expanded its zoological collection to include exotic mammals as well. The prairie dogs, meerkats, wallabies and Arapawa goats of New Zealand, Tamarins, Yellow Mongoose and Bat-Eared Foxes of Africa are all in a fair way to steal the limelight away from the aviaries.
Serving a dual role as an exhibition of natural wonder and a recreational oasis for urbanites, the park is home to the 1 mile Beale Railway upon which runs an antique steam train known as John Remmy as well as a diesel train called Sir Humphrey Davy. These trains each carry a maximum of 50 visitors to the park, on a whimsical tour around the surrounding landscape.
It further cements its family-friendly atmosphere with the inclusion of the Little Tikes Play area for children as well as several paddling pools and adventure play areas. The adults can enjoy a quiet idyll by strolling through the various landscaped gardens and lakes and visiting the education centre or model boat exhibition. The parks gift shop and restaurant are a great finishing point to wrap up a days outing in this out-of-the-ordinary Berkshire attraction.
The best way to enjoy the natural and cultural gifts of Berkshire is to use a Reading hotel as a base for your Berkshire travels. A hotel Reading of any budgetary and situational requirement is not hard to find as the town functions as the business hub of the area. Copthorne Hotel Reading is a mid-range international-standard hotel that caters well to the needs of both leisure and business travellers.
