Birdworld Takes Flight
Andrew Jones
Winging It? Not a Chance. Birdworld’s Relaunch Was Carefully Hatched
As both a marketer and a parent, I’m always paying attention to how attractions connect with their audience. Some get the basics right. A few go further and build something memorable. Very few manage to do it all in a way that feels intentional, thoughtful and genuinely joyful. Birdworld’s relaunch landed in that last category.
I was there with my kids on launch day. What I saw wasn’t just a fresh coat of paint or a couple of upgrades. It was a full repositioning of Birdworld as a family destination that’s ready to compete with the best in the region. And it’s clear that the team behind it, from Birdworld and Haskins to the creative energy of Carswell Gould, understood exactly what it would take to create momentum.
Feed the People
The first thing we noticed? We were looked after. From the moment we arrived, there was complimentary coffee, pastries, fruit and squash. It seems simple, but this is the stuff that matters. Families are often dealing with flustered mornings, missed breakfasts, and a lot of logistics. Being welcomed with something warm to drink and food for the kids immediately shifted the mood.
Branded coffee cups were a nice touch too. Useful in the moment and a subtle memento to take home and a talking point, when people return home. Great for photos and looks great from an environmental point of view.
The Right Ambassador
Birdworld made an inspired choice in selecting Aneeshwar Kunchala as their ambassador. He wasn’t just there to cut a ribbon or smile for a press photo. He played. He laughed with kids. He climbed the new play equipment, chatted with families, and made everyone feel like they were part of something.
What stood out to me even more was how grounded he and his parents were. No ego. Just generous with their time and presence. My boys played with him, and it was clear he was loving every minute of exploring the park and play equipment. His enthusiasm wasn’t performative, it was real. You can’t fake that, and it created the kind of connection you hope for at events like this.
An ambassador like that says a lot about what Birdworld wants to be. Approachable, engaging, and focused on community.
All the staff from the Director of Haskins, to those on the front ticket office were genuinely friendly, and approachable, I’m excited to see what the next chapter brings with the November launch of the indoor play centre.
It was also great to see local MP Damian Hinds attending the event and taking part in the unveiling alongside Aneeshwar. I’ve had the pleasure of working with Damian before on PR activity for Meon Valley Travel, when we were celebrating our TTG Award win, and it was no surprise to see him supporting a local attraction that’s clearly investing in its future. His presence added a sense of occasion, and it was a reminder of how important spaces like Birdworld are to the wider community.
MP Damian Hinds – MP for East Hampshire
Delighting the Audience
Beyond the food and the faces, the day was filled with clever details. The new play equipment is a huge win. It’s well-designed and instantly popular. But it was the smaller touches that really stuck. As we left, the team handed out bubbles, peacock feathers and lollies as parting gifts, small touches that felt personal and left the day ending on a high. Staff were still smiling, still engaging, and made sure families felt appreciated right to the last moment.
You could feel a sense of pride and purpose from the Birdworld team. They weren’t just ticking boxes. They were talking to people, asking kids about their favourite animals, helping families navigate the space. That kind of energy doesn’t happen by accident. It comes from a team that believes in what they’re doing.
And this isn’t a one-off. With the indoor play centre launching in November, Birdworld is clearly planning for all-weather appeal and year-round visits. That’s a big shift and a smart one. It puts them in the same conversation as places like Marwell Zoo and Staunton Country Park, especially for parents thinking about where to spend on a family pass.
Final Thoughts
I’ve been to a lot of attraction launches over the years, and I’ve seen the full range. From polished but soulless, to chaotic but well-meaning. What Birdworld delivered was something far more balanced. It was warm, well-executed and packed with intention.
It was also just a genuinely lovely day out. My kids left smiling. I left impressed. And as a marketer, I left thinking, this is how you relaunch a space and invite people to rediscover it.
Birdworld isn’t just back. It’s doing the right things to become a regular fixture in family plans, not just for a sunny day, but for the whole year.
