This is the time of year when hundreds of thousands of geese and swans start returning from their Arctic breeding grounds to spend the winter in the UK, many of them at WWT centres.
Witness thousands of Whooper swans flying into Welney and see them close-up as they enjoy daily warden feeds. See some 18,000 Pink-footed geese arriving at Martin Mere, and watch out for the returning Bewick’s swans at Slimbridge, each of whom is named and individually recognised by their own unique bill pattern.
Enjoy the stunning spectacle of many thousands of Barnacle geese at Caerlaverock or see almost the entire population of Light-bellied Brent geese feeding on Strangford Lough by Castle Espie. There’s something to fascinate, inform or inspire whatever your age. With every centre offering the chance to experience stunning scenery, breathtaking views, and face to face encounters with the world’s most dramatic and rare birds.
Events and activities throughout the coming months including badger watching, goose festivals, digiscoping demonstrations, Halloween parties and half term activities, as well as Slimbridge and Welney’s fantastic wild swan feeds.
Autumn events
WWT Arundel West Sussex
T 01903 881530
25 Oct – 2 Nov Half term activities– pumpkins and apples
27-31 Oct Halloween– learn more about the scary side of nature
28 & 29 Oct The Big Draw
WWT Caerlaverock Dumfriesshire,Scotland
T 01387 770200
1 & 7 Sept - Badgerwatch
21-24 November – Birdwatching break
WWT Castle Espie County Down, Northern Ireland
T 028 9187 4146
13 & 14 Sept - Lifestyle Green Show
22-27 Sept – Brent Goose Festival Week– celebrate arrival of light-bellied brent geese to Strangford Lough
4 & 5 Oct – Birdwatch morning
19 Oct, 16 Nov & 14 Dec - Dawn flight
27-31 Oct - Halloween crafts
WWT London Barnes
T 020 84094400
6 Sept - Members walk
11 Oct - Breakfast with an expert
25 Oct – 2 Nov - Half term activities
The Big Draw– a drop in event for adults & children
Wizard wetlands– children’s half term activities with a pumpkin lantern party on 31 Oct
WWT Martin Mere Lancashire
T 01704 895181
12 &19 Sept 7 &14 Nov - Birdwatch workshop(£27)
20 Sept & 15 Nov - Digiscoping workshop(£50)
27 September & 25 Oct - Dawn flight(£14)
25 Oct-2 Nov Half term activities
29 & 30 Nov - North WestBirdwatching Festival
WWT National Wetland Centre WalesLlanelli,Wales
T 01554 741087
6 Sept - National Mud Festival
12 Oct - Fungi Foray
25 Oct – 2 Nov - Half term activities
31 Oct - Halloween party
8 Nov - National birdwatching festival ofWales
WWT Slimbridge Gloucestershire
T 01453 891900
6, 14, 28 September - Birdwatch mornings
Saturdays and Sundays Oct-Dec - Decoy demonstrations– How to round up ducks using a dog
Daily from 29 Nov - Commentated wild bird feeds / evening floodlit feeds
WWT Washington Tyne & Wear
T 0191 416 5454
25 Oct – 2 Nov - Half term activities & The Big Draw
31 Oct - Halloween Party
15 Nov - Curlew Watch
WWT Welney Norfolk
T 01353 860711
Daily from 25 Oct - Wild swan feeds
25 Oct – 2 Nov - Migration magic – trail & activities
From 6 Nov - Evening wild swan feeds
15 & 16 Nov - Festival of Swans see thousands of Whooper & Bewick’s swans