Aviary upgrade for park's feathered friends

A traditional aviary in a Leicestershire park is to be demolished to make way for a new one.

The first aviaries in Queen's Park in Loughborough were opened next to the lake in 1955, according to Charnwood Borough Council, before being moved to their current location in 1980 to provide better shelter from the wind and sun.

In a report to the council in 2025, it said: "The aviary is a very popular visitor attraction, especially for children in the summer. However, it is recognised that the structure is need of refurbishment."

A temporary aviary will be built to house the birds while the existing structures are removed and a new aviary is created so the feathered residents will remain on display.

Birds in the Queens Park aviary include parakeets, cockatiels, budgies, canaries and finches.

Councillor Anne Gray, Charnwood Borough Council's lead member for open spaces, said: "Queen's Park is one of Charnwood's most treasured green spaces and this project demonstrates our commitment to maintaining and improving its facilities.

"The wellbeing of the birds is our top priority and this new aviary will provide a safe, modern environment for them to thrive in.

"We know how much local people and visitors enjoy seeing the birds in Queen's Park, so we are pleased that they will remain on display in a temporary aviary while work takes place.

"The finished aviary will be a fantastic addition to the park."

The project is expected to be completed in the autumn and the council said access to Charnwood Museum and Olivia's Cafe will not be affected by the work.

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