A blue puppet with a big beak will make his debut at Birdworld during its October half-term programme.

Bertie Beak will join live presenter Professor Featherstone for Autumn Science Seekers, a new interactive family show at the Farnham attraction, which combines science, nature and comedy.

The show forms part of Awesome Autumn, a nine-day programme running at the park near Farnham from October 24 to November 1.

Bertie Beak at Birdworld
Bertie Beak at Birdworld (Birdworld)

The 25-minute performance will take place five times a day in Professor Featherstone’s Theatre, with a photo opportunity with the presenter and Bertie after each show.

Birdworld general manager James Robson said: “We’re always looking for new ways to help families discover just how incredible birds and the natural world are, and Bertie Beak gives us a really fun new way to do that.

“He’s got a lot of personality and will no doubt engage children and grown-ups alike, while making science and nature fun and accessible for the whole family.

“It really brings our Move, Play, Learn approach to life by giving children the chance to learn through play, interaction and discovery.

“We can’t wait to welcome Bertie and Professor Featherstone to Birdworld.”

Workshops and hands-on activities will also take place throughout half term. Families can explore the indoor Play Barn, outdoor Treetop Adventures, Dinosaur Discovery Trail and Ball Run alongside the new show.

A free evening event, Brilliant Bugs and Super (not scary) Animals, will take place on Wednesday, October 28, from 6pm to 8pm.

Run by Birdworld’s Conservation Education Team, the event will raise money for the Birdworld Conservation Fund and introduce visitors to the abilities of creatures including spiders, bats, ants and crabs.

Mr Robson said: “Our Brilliant Bugs and Super (not scary) Animals evening will give visitors the chance to discover some of the incredible abilities of autumn wildlife, from spiders and bats to ants and crabs, while raising money for the Birdworld Conservation Fund.

“Whether families are meeting Bertie Beak, exploring the Park or joining one of our conservation events, we want every visit to Birdworld to be fun, engaging and full of opportunities to discover something new about birds, wildlife and the natural world.”

Birdworld opened in 1968 and was bought by Haskins in 2020. Located on the Hampshire-Surrey border, about two miles south of Farnham, its 18 acres of landscaped park and gardens are home to more than 1,000 birds from 181 species.

The attraction is undergoing a multimillion-pound redevelopment designed to make it a year-round family destination, bringing together imaginative play, learning and conservation.

Accessibility and inclusivity are central to the plans, which include indoor play facilities and outdoor adventures inspired by the surrounding woodland, alongside the park’s continuing work in bird conservation.

Visitors can also attend daily talks and feeds led by the Conservation and Education Team. Penguin-feeding experiences and bird adoptions offer further opportunities to support the park and learn about its animals.

Birdworld is a member of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquaria. Its annual membership scheme offers unlimited visits, member-only events and special offers for regular visitors.

The Autumn Science Seekers show and additional Awesome Autumn activities are included with admission, allowing families to combine the half-term programme with a visit to the park’s birds and play attractions.

For more information and to book tickets, visit birdworld.co.uk.