A highly acclaimed children’s author will be a special guest at Birdland Park & Gardens during February half term.

M.G. Leonard, author of the popular wildlife detective series The Twitchers, will be at the Gloucestershire attraction for a signing of her books Twitch and Spark on Monday, February 20, ahead of the launch of her new book Clutch.

Simon Cox, general manager, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled that Maya will be with us here at the park to talk about her new book and her love of the natural world.

"Birdland will provide the perfect backdrop to discuss her love of wildlife and to tell us about her fantastic birdwatching detectives as featured in the books Twitch and Spark.”

M. G. Leonard’s books have been translated into more than 40 languages and one of her titles, Beetle Boy, is being developed into a TV series.

Her visit will be part of two weeks devoted to the amazing world of Twitchers – the name given to birdwatchers who devote their time to spotting rare birds.

Visitors to the park between Saturday, February 11 and Sunday, February 26 will be able to channel their inner Twitcher, using a spotter trail to navigate the park and find clues to uncover a secret code.

Those who complete the trail will be in with a chance of winning a signed copy of one of M.G. Leonard’s books each day.

Birdland is home to one of the largest collections of exotic birds in the UK.

More than 500 birds including penguins, flamingos, owls, cassowaries, cranes are resident at the park, which is based in the beautiful Cotswold village of Bourton-on-the-Water.

Book tickets at www.birdland.co.uk or call 01451 820480 for more details. Adults are £11.95 and children are £8.95.