We’re proud to offer a fantastic selection of activities on-site at Solway Holiday Park, from Axe Throwing to Zorbing, not forgetting the jewel in the crown, our incredible Birds of Prey experience. It makes for such an effortless break knowing there’s always something fun for kids to do – and plenty for big kids too, come to mention it!
But our activities wouldn’t be such a big hit without Activity Instructor Keith Nieves, a.k.a. Birdman Keith! Keith runs various activities at Solway, including Axe Throwing and Birds of Prey as well as helping out in the Pottery Studio or wherever else he can lend a hand.
Keith’s passion, dedication and knowledge help make our activity sessions some of the best around.
Let’s get to know him a little better…
Keith hasn’t always worked in the holiday industry…
“I was in the military for 21 years, serving in the Royal Anglian Regiment (Vikings). My sister bet me £20 bet that I wouldn’t join. I took her £20 and 21 years later came out of the army as a Warrant Officer Class 2! I left due to injuries sustained in Afghanistan in 2012.”
Birds were always his childhood passion
“I spent many happy family holidays birdwatching with my Dad, so that sparked it all off, then later in life I loved watching bird displays at county fairs. It was something I couldn’t pursue while I was in the military, so when I was discharged, I jumped on the opportunity to pursue it, and follow a personal passion that that been left untapped.”
He loves working at Solway
“The chance to fly my birds, display them for people and educate others about them is just a dream come true. The beautiful natural setting here at Solway makes it easy – the birds have settled into their new surroundings so quickly. It’s been really exciting to see all the new developments happening at Solway and I can’t wait to see how that looks in the future and offer our Birds of Prey experience to larger groups of people.
And beyond the birds, getting to run activities for a job? Who wouldn’t love that – seeing smiles on people’s faces is what it’s about. The team here are also great and have helped me feel right at home on the holiday park.”
And the best part of his job?
“I love putting smiles on people’s faces, meeting different groups of people, chatting and getting to know them. Passing on knowledge of the birds, how they hunt, fly and sharing fun facts about each of them.
Giving people who come on holiday something they can remember when they leave, trying to exceed people’s expectations and deliver an experience they never thought they could have.”
Hit us with your best bird fact Keith!
“The speed of a Peregrine Falcon has been clocked at more than 200mph! That’s during a stoop, which is their high-speed attach dive.
This one always gets a good reaction from guests as they can see my Peregrine Falcon Eric – and how a bird so small can be so incredibly powerful.”
A huge thank you to you Keith for all you do for us at Solway! Perhaps you’ll meet Birdman Keith during your next Solway stay?
Don’t forget to share your Solway activity photos with us on Instagram @solwayholidaypark
