Wildlife Wander in Victoria Park
Join us for a relaxed nature walk in a friendly group through Victoria Park to get outside and enjoy the wildlife we find.
Location
Victoria Park - Belfast
4 Kyle Street Belfast BT4 1LS United KingdomGood to know
Highlights
- ALL AGES
- In person
- Free venue parking
About this event
Discover the gorgeous Victoria Park and the wildlife that uses it. Join our friendly group for a peacefull stroll to appreciate the lush greenery, watch the ducks at the pond and along the Connswater, and observe plants in bloom. We’ll be tuning into birdsong, looking out for wildlife, and soaking up the calm of nature together. You don’t need any prior nature knowledge to come along - just bring your curiosity, and enjoy the outdoors with us!
Dates and time: On the third Sunday of each month from 2-4pm.
Meeting point: The group will be meeting in the Victoria Park car park (Google maps link here) at 2pm, and finishing back at the car park at around 4pm. Here is a screenshot of the car park location.
Walking distance: We'll walk slowly for about 1 mile in total around the park, stopping often to enjoy the wildlife.
Toilets: There are pay toilets at the park.
What to bring: We recommend wearing sturdy footwear like trainers as the group may veer off the main tarmacked path onto thinner, grassier paths if the group is able. And wrap up with warm and waterproof clothing - as we'll be walking slowly and stopping often, and with the unpredictable Northern Irish weather, it might get colder than expected! There will be binoculars for folks to borrow.
Accessibility: These events are suitable for wheelchair users. The paths are tarmacked and wide. Please find details of the venue on AccessAble here. If you have any questions about accessibility, or any other queries, please email Sorrel at wanders@bto.org.
Volunteer-led events: As these are volunteer-led events, there are a couple of things to draw your attention to: we have a no dogs policy (except for assistance dogs) just so everyone is comfortable and under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. There is more information about these points and others in this document.
These events are coordinated by the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) Northern Ireland in partnership with Connswater Community Greenway. BTO NI is a charity that seeks to understand and protect our wild bird populations and connect people with nature. Find out more about what we do at www.bto.org/about/where/northern-ireland.
Frequently asked questions
Yes absolutely! No prior nature knowledge is required - just bring your curiosity. Whether you're looking to give something new a go, develop your wildlife skills, or share your nature knowledge with others, you are most welcome.
The group will look and listen out for wildlife to enjoy. This may involve tuning into sounds, observing colours and patterns, identifying species together, and learning about ecology. There will also be a focus on recording wildlife and having a go at some surveys, e.g. counting pollinators.
The group is led around the site by our friendly Wildlife Wander Volunteers, who will introduce themselves at the start of the Wander. The Volunteers are wonderful people who enjoy spending time in nature with others!
The group will walk slowly for approximately 1 mile in total during the 2 hours, stopping often to view wildlife around the park.
Yes, the paths at Victoria Park are tarmacked and wide. For more details about the accessibility features of the park, please find it on AccessAble. If you have any questions about accessibility please email Sorrel at wanders@bto.org.
We ask that people do not bring dogs (except for assistance dogs) as we cannot guarantee that all group members are comfortable with dogs present.
Yes! All ages are welcome to the Wildlife Wanders. We just ask that under-18s are always accompanied by an adult.
If the weather is very windy or rainy, we will cancel the Wander and notify you by email. If the weather is a little poor but not dreadful, the Wander will go ahead and the group's focus will shift to perhaps walking a bit faster and enjoying the fresh air together!
There can be up to 15 people plus a couple of Volunteers at each Wander.
Yes absolutely. Whilst we are unable to provide sight guides or sign language interpreters, you are most welcome and we will adapt the Wander as needed to suit you. If you would like to optionally let us know ahead of a Wander, please email Sorrel at wanders@bto.org.
Yes, from the Victoria Park car park, the closest bus stop is a 10 minute walk (on Connsbrook Avenue); the closest glider stop is a 20 minute walk (on the Upper Newtownards Road); and the Sydenham train station is a 15 minute walk. Victoria Park is accessible by bike along the Connswater Greenway.
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