Urdaibai Bird Center - Creating new generations of conservationists

Times are changing! Ten years ago most people's idea of a bird watcher was a middle aged man in camuflage clothes. However, this is now very different. Not only is there diversity in the wetlands, but also in the observatories. Everyone can enjoy the birds. People of all ages and nationalities come to the Urdaibai Bird Center to discover this fascinating world and learn about the importance of wetlands.

Children make up a huge percentage of visitors to Urdaibai Bird Center. Not only do 2000 school children visit us every year, but a further 18 000 come to the Center at weekends or in the holidays with their families. These families come from both locally and aboad, from countries like Germany, France, Holland, the USA, the UK, Ireland, etc. To provide these visitors with the best experience possible, our audioguides are available in 7 languages. (Basque, Spanish, French, German, English, Catalan and Dutch).

Whilst this is good range of languages, we are always aware that we can improve. In the winter months, when we are not open to public during the week, we work very hard to develop our resources and visitor experience. This winter we have made a huge addition to our visit - we have produced a new audioguide specifically for children. Our audioguided route now has real multi-generational appeal, allowing families to explore the world of birds together in the best way possible

The new audioguide is available in 7 languages and, as children have shorter concentration spans, the information is in bite sized chunks. The script uses playful narratives, characters and humor which maintains interest and makes learning fun. On the route, children have to look for 4 superheroes, the osprey, spoonbill, shrike and coot. The experience creates emotional bonds and makes the visit memorable.

Through positive associations we aim to awake a passion for nature, science and conservation in every child that visits us. Its essential that the generations of the future are aware of the importance of nature. Every child that comes to UBC is a little ray of hope for the wetlands and the birds.