Spring is on its way to WWT's wetlands
The cold weather seems relentless but the seasons are still revolving slowly on and we’re seeing signs of spring and new life across our wetlands. If you’re feeling the winter will never end and longing for that bit of fresh air, come and be inspired at your local wetland centre.
WWT has nine wetland centres across the UK and at each there are eggs hatching and buds opening attracting the first nectar seeking insects of the year. These glimpses of new life may be just what you need to shake the winter blues away.
Because wetland centres bring wild nature right up close, you can see so much without having to go far outdoors, and there’s always a cosy observatory or draft-proof hide to retreat into – some even have woodburners or heaters in them for ultimate outdoor comfort. And after braving the elements of course you can reward yourself with hot drinks and cakes at the cafe.
Come and see birds courting and nest building, shelducks strutting on high obstacles, flamingos making nests from mud with their beaks, wetland plants beginning to bloom, dragonfly nymphs appearing, songbirds singing loud and clear, the first fluffy chicks and goslings and many other natural spectacles plus lots of indoor activities too.
“The cold weather has slowed down some species but spring is definitely in the air,” says WWT Arundel reserve warden Paul Stevens.
All nature gathers by water, so reassure yourself that spring really is on the way by coming and spotting all the signs of new life. With migrating birds arriving from Southern Europe there’s even a touch of the Mediterranean right on your doorstep.
Our centres are open to visitors as usual from 9.30am to 5pm. Come to enjoy the sights and sounds of new life through getting close up to nature, or get more involved at one of the many events happening throughout the Spring.
WWT Arundel Wetland Centre T 01903 883355 West Sussex
New Life that you can see at WWT Arundel Wetland Centre includes:
• A newly hatched batch of Nene goslings are being cared for in the duckery to protect them from cold weather and herring gull predators – cold weather is making gulls even hungrier. More Nene hatchings are expecting over the Easter period.
• Mallard ducklings are starting to hatch, this is later than normal due to the cold weather.
• Coots and moor hens are visibly nesting
• A pair of mute swans have built a nest across from the wildlife garden.
• Bright yellow coltsfoot and vibrant red dead nettle are flowering - these are usually our earliest spring flowers. Snowdrops and primrose are out too, and some daffodils on banks near the centre.
• Toads have been crossing the water to reach our reedbeds and ponds to spawn but they need temps over 8 degrees and rainy weather when making their long treks to water (they can travel as far as three miles)
• Take a boat trip through the reedbeds to see the wetlands awakening
• Visit the Pond Explorer to find dragonfly nymphs and emerging newts, appearing in your pond dipping net!
Events at WWT Arundel Wetland Centre
Fri 29 March to Sun 14 April 2013 – New Life
See rare cygnets and goslings during the Easter holidays. You can also go on an Easter Bunny Hunt, pond dip or create a craft.
Sat 20 April 2013 – Dawn Chorus
Early morning walk with guide to take in the sights and sounds of dawn at our Wetland Centre.
Thurs 25 April & 23 May 2013 – Evening Bat Walk
Guided evening bat walk to visit all the bat hotspots on the Wetland Centre reserve.
Mon 6 May 2013 – Insect Festival
Celebrating the small things in life with activities, crafts and trails about bees and insects.
Sat 11 May 2013 – Warbler Walk
Guided walk to learn how to identify and spot warblers and birds of summer.
Sat 25 May to Sun 2 June 2013 – Downy Duckling Days
Find wild duckling wandering the reserve. Daily ducky activities and pond dipping also available.
Sat 15 & Sun 16 June 2013 – Frogs and Toads Weekend
Hop around the reserve to discover crafts and activities about our favourite amphibians.
WWT Caerlaverock Wetland Centre T 01387 770200 Dumfriesshire, Scotland
Sun 14 April 2013 – Morning Rounds with the Warden
Join the reserve warden for a behind-the-scenes look at his daily routine, checking the reserve to see what’s around and feeding the birds.
Sun 28 April 2013 – What’s that Warbler?
Join WWT experts to find and identify the newly arrived spring migrants. Learn to identify them by song.
Sat 11 May 2013 – Natterjack Night
Guided walk on the reserve to find the rarest amphibian in Britain – the Natterjack Toad.
Mon 1 to Sun 21 April 2013 – Stars and Stripes Badger Watching
Watch wild badgers feeding just outside our comfortable observatory.
Sun 26 May 2013 – Wildflower Walk
Join the warden for a wander round the wildflower meadow to identify the flora.
WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre T 028 9187 4146 County Down, Northern Ireland
Fri 22 March to Sun 7 April 2013 – Giant Easter Bunny Hunt
Search for the Easter bunnies hidden around the site. Maps and clues provided and prizes for all who complete the trail.
First 3 Sundays of April, May & June 2013 – The Wee Birdie Birdwatch
Series of birdwatching tours for children.
Sun 31 Mar & 21 April 2013 – Dawn Chorus
Guided walk to identify the birds by their songs and calls.
Sat 4, Sun 5 and Mon 6 & Sat 8 and Sun 9 June 2013 – Behind-the-Scenes Reserve Tours
Go behind-the-scenes managing a wetland reserve and discover more about seasonal changes.
Sat 25 and Sun 26 June 2013 – Research Rangers
Join us for a day in the life of a warden; help with our bird counts, butterfly and baseline moth.
Every Wed and Weekend in June – Downy Duckling Tours
Get up close to natures little wonders. Enjoy a very special behind-the-scenes experience.
Sat 15 June 2013 – Ducklings and Dabblers
This workshop is for anyone who enjoys sketching and using watercolours.
WWT Llanelli National Wetland Centre Wales T 01554 741087 Carmarthenshire
Every Mon to Fri – Guided Walks
Aimed at Adults but children are welcome. Topics include breeding, baby birds, flamingos, dragonflies & butterflies.
Fri 29 Mar to Sun 14 April 2013 – Easter Holiday Fun
Easter egg hunting, den building, breeding & baby bird walks, pond dipping and crafts.
Sat 4 May 2013 – Dawn Chorus Walk & Breakfast
Guided - Listen to the bird world wake up with an early morning walk followed by breakfast.
Sat 25 May to Sun 2 June 2013 – Duckery Tours
Exclusive behind-the-scenes tours of our duckling nursery. Suitable for all ages.
Sat 15 June – Bat Walk
Exclusive opportunity to join expert staff and naturalists on a late night search of bats on our reserve.
Sat 15 & Sun 16 June 2013 – BioBlitz
Find and identify wildlife alongside expert naturalists. Guided walk on the saltmarsh.
WWT London Wetland Centre T 020 8409 4400 Barnes
Mondays 4 to 25 Mar & 3 to 24 June 2013 – Pond dipping for adults
Fri 29 Mar to Sun 14 April 2013 – Easter
Follow the spring-time trail on an egg hunt. Get creative with our egg-painting team or Family friendly ‘Scrap cheep challenge’. There is also a nest and egg display showing the eggs and nests of different species.
Wed 3 to Fri 5 April 2013 – Life Under the Surface
Craft workshop to learn about animals and plants of the found in ponds.
Sat 6 April 2013 – Pond Day
Get to know some of our aquatic wildlife and dabble in a little pond science, go pond dipping and see under the surface of our ponds with the underwater cameras and meet our giant newt.
Sat 20 to Sun 21 April 2013 – The Sound of Wildlife
The Wildlife Sound Recording Society will be demonstrating the sounds of the natural world.
Sun 28 April 2013 – Dawn Chorus
Enjoy the reserve and take in the sounds of wildlife on a guided tour before dawn.
Sat 18 May 2013 – Fascination of Plants Day Walks
Guided walk to celebrate the diversity of Wetland plants.
Sat 25 May to Sun 2 June 2013 – Half-term Family Activities
Meet our ducklings and watch them take their first swim. Join in our daily duckling activities and games or view our butterfly display lifecycle.
Sat 8 June 2013 – Wild Orchid Walks
Guided walk of the reserve.
Sat 15 June 2013 – Wetland Plant Walk
Guided walk with plant enthusiast to hear about the plants that inhabit the margins of our pools and lakes.
Sat 15 June to Sun 4 Aug 2013 – Perfect Pond Season
Perfect Pond storytelling sessions focusing on underwater animals. See how easy it is to create your own pond. We’ll create a pond to show how they are colonised by plants and animals to form ecological communities. Froglife, experts in amphibian and reptile conservation will join us to answer any questions.
WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre T 01704 895181 Lancashire
Signs of New Life at WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre include:
• 1 black-necked swan cygnet
• 5 black swan cygnets
• A brood of ducklings
• 3 Nene goslings hatched already
• Lapwings are on their territories
• Spring flowers are budding and attracting the early emerging insects such as bubble bees and butterflies
Events at WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre
Thurs 28 Mar to Sun 14 April 2013 – Easter Holidays
Activities include plastic duck hunts, egg rolling, den building and our water play will re-open in the adventure play area.
Sat 25 May to Sun 2 June 2013 – Downy Duckling Week
See the whole egg to duckling experience at this award winning event.
Weekends Sat 8 June to Sun 21 July 2013 – Duckling Nursery Open Weekends
Learn about the hatching process and talk to volunteers about the birds.
Sat 22 & Sun 23 June 2013 – Science is Fun
Pond-dip, dissect owl pellets, hunt for bugs, see birds of prey, reptiles and more. A great day out for the whole family.
WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre T 013 891900 Gloucestershire
Fri 29 March to Mon 1 April 2013 – Great Easter Hunt
Self-led Easter hunt through the grounds. Art & craft activities available.
Sat 11 & Sun 12 May 2013 – Dawn Chorus
Guided tour – learn how to identify birds by the sound of their call and song.
Sat 11 May 2013 – Lazy Man’s Dawn Chorus
Same as the Dawn Chorus but at a later time.
Sat 25 May to Sun 2 June 2013 – Downy Duckling Days
Learn about eggs, incubation and hatching. For younger visitors there is a duckling crèche so they can see the ducklings without the tour.
Sat 8 & 22 June 2013 – Wildflower and Orchid Walk
Join our reserve manager for a magical walk looking for the wetland’s finest wildflowers and orchids.
WWT Washington Wetland Centre T 0191 416 5454 Tyne & Wear
Signs of New Life at WWT Washington Wetland Centre include:
• Two baby nenes which hatched last week up at the duckery are now on show there
• Black swan cygnets hatched a couple of weeks ago
• 16 pairs of grey heron on nests in the heronry
• 8 avocets on Wader Lake – this is a site record and we think there maybe another pair likely
Events at WWT Washington Wetland Centre
Sat 23 Mar to Sun 7 April 2013 – Easter Holidays
Easter Sunday – rubber duck hunt. Pond-dipping and seasonal crafts are also available.
Sat 20 April, 18 May & 15 June 2013 – Walk with a Warden
Take in the sights and sounds on a themed tour around the Wetland Centre with our reserve manager.
Sat 25 May to Sun 2 June 2013 – Downy Duckling Days
Guided duckery talks about the egg to duckling process. Craft are also available.
Sat 27 April, 25 May & 22 June 2013 – Ducks in Depth
Guided seasonal tour of our exotic and endangered wildfowl collection.
Weekends from 13 April to 14 July 2013 – ‘Spring into Summer’ Family Crafts
Seasonal crafts for all the family.
WWT Welney Wetland Centre T 01353 860711 Norfolk
Thurs 28 Mar to Sun 14 April 2013 – Easter Family Fun
Join in with pond-dipping and witness the first signs of spring.
Sat 11 May, 8 June & 6 July 2013 – Bats and Barn Owls
A guided look for nocturnal wildlife to our Wetland Centre.
Fri 17 May 2013 – Evening Safari at Welney
Tour around several led activities after closing including bird watching with a guide, pond-dipping, dragonfly identification, minibeast hunt and bat detecting.
Sat 25 May to Sun 2 June 2013 – Half-term Family Fun
Activities include pond-dipping, Discovery Trail, activity stations in the pond room or get out and about with activity clipboards.
