The Prinknash Bird and Deer Park is one of the most popular visitor destinations in Gloucestershire, and for good reason.

The park, which opened to the public in 1975, gives people the opportunity to explore the stunning valley, and get up close to an array of wildlife in their natural habitat, including peacocks and fallow deer.

For the tenth consecutive year, the Bird and Deer Park will undergo a transformation this month, as their famous Winter Wonderland returns.

Owner of the Bird Park, Melanie Meigh, is excited for what is set to be another busy festive period.

She said: “This year is our 10th anniversary, and the whole idea at the beginning was to create a Christmas event that everyone, but especially children could enjoy.

“It’s a beautiful event, we decorate half of the park for people to explore and enjoy the lovely vistas. We’ve got amazing lights, our Christmas Fairy and Father Christmas, face painting and more.

“We’ve also got the only real reindeer in the area! They’re fed at 4pm and unfortunately are not for petting. They’ll be roaming free while Father Christmas meets the children and gives out gifts for every child.”

Father Christmas, who will be played by town crier Tony Ward, and many of the other attractions are ideal for younger children. However, Melanie believes that one of the great qualities of the park is that there’s something going on for everyone.

She said: “It’s great because obviously we have plenty of things for younger children, but also their older siblings who come along always enjoy themselves too.

“Parents love it because it feels so much more personable rather than a corporate event. We don’t use plastic for decorations, we’ve got a hand-crafted ash sleigh for Father Christmas, a beautiful sculpture of a Reindeer made from horseshoes in the Grotto that was created by Tom Hill, handmade wreaths, and much more.

“Most people who come rebook every year, so we must be doing something right!”

Melanie’s passion for the Winter Wonderland and the park in general is clear, and her desire to make the event as immersive and genuine as possible for all visitors will make the event even more special.

She continued: “It’s not easy to organise but I’m still as enthusiastic as the day we started.

“It’s a lot of work and we’ve been putting lights up and testing them daily for the last month, but it’s all gone well and it’s definitely worth it.”

The Winter Wonderland is open every weekend in December and then daily from 21st -24th December, from 11am to 6pm.