The World Pheasant Association (WPA) has marked its 50th anniversary with a special visit to Birdworld, the UK’s largest bird park.

More than twenty members of the international conservation charity travelled to the Farnham attraction following a stop at the Great Bustard Project on Salisbury Plain – a pioneering initiative that has successfully reintroduced the once-extinct Great Bustard to the UK.

During their visit, the WPA – which is dedicated to safeguarding Galliformes, the bird family that includes pheasants, partridges, grouse, cracids and megapodes – enjoyed a tour of Birdworld and met with the keeper team to discuss topics such as pheasant breeding and the latest regulations affecting zoos and private breeders.

“There has been a disconnect in the past between zoos, private breeders and the space between them,” said Bea Detnon, Aviculture Team Lead at Birdworld. “Organisations such as the WPA bring together people from all corners of aviculture and it’s so valuable to be able to welcome that community to a zoo and share our passion and dedication for birds.

“Having the WPA here gave us the chance to exchange ideas with experts from across the UK and Europe, including experienced keepers who have looked after some of the species we have at Birdworld. We have been able to exchange information and create new friendships with likeminded individuals, which will strengthen the commitment to our conservation goals.”

The visit also included positive talks on future collaboration opportunities, with the WPA showing interest in Birdworld being involved in their Vietnam pheasant project – a conservation initiative which aims to save this critically endangered species from extinction.

Birdworld is itself home to nine Galliforme species, including six Vietnam pheasants. The Park also houses the striking Malayan Great Argus, the charming Crested wood partridge and the colourful Himalayan monal, alongside rarities such as the Palawan peacock-pheasant.

“We all thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Birdworld,” said Keith Chalmers-Watson, Vice-Chairman of the World Pheasant Association. “We were all very impressed with the layout and quality of the exhibits. The site was immaculately tidy but most importantly the information given to each exhibit was absolutely first class.”

Bea added: “At its heart, the day was about people with a shared interest coming together to share our passion for birds. There can sometimes be a divide in the aviculture world, so opportunities like this help break down barriers and build genuine connections.”