Julia Donaldson launches spring Gozzle trail at WWT Arundel Wetland Centre
Julia Donaldson delighted visitors with a live reading of the freshly hatched picture book ‘Gozzle’, to launch the trail inspired by the adventures of Gozzle the gosling at WWT Arundel until May 31.
Julia Donaldson delighted visitors at WWT Arundel Wetland Centre with a magical morning of storytelling on Tuesday 24 March, sharing a live reading from her freshly hatched picture book Gozzle, beautifully illustrated by Sara Ogilvie. Her appearance marked the official launch of the wetland centre’s new spring trail, inspired by the adventures of Gozzle the gosling.
Julia also read from her new book The Magic Feather, performed The Gruffalo with actor James Lewis, and joined in a lively rendition of What the Ladybird Heard with a cast made up mostly of audience members.
Families are invited to enjoy a season of firsts this spring as WWT Arundel Wetland Centre teams up with Macmillan Children’s Books to explore the wonderful world of wetlands with Gozzle, a newly hatched gosling discovering what it takes to grow up.
Visitors can follow Gozzle’s journey through the wetlands at WWT Arundel, as they awaken for spring through May 31. Inspired by Gozzle, the new picture book by Julia Donaldson and Sara Ogilvie, the experience brings storytelling off the page and into nature through outdoor play, exploration and imagination.
Julia Donaldson, award-winning children’s author, said:
“Sara and I are so happy that our little gosling is going to be brought to life beyond the page. I've been to the amazing WWT wetlands before so I can imagine how much families will enjoy exploring them and spotting all the wildlife while they follow the Gozzle story trail."
Sara Ogilvie, illustrator, added:
“Illustrating Gozzle was all about capturing those small but important first discoveries, so it will be wonderful to see children making their own discoveries in the wetlands as spring begins.”
Elizabeth Pearce at WWT Arundel said:
“Spring is one of the most exciting times to visit WWT Arundel and Gozzle experience is an immersive, accessible way for families to enjoy it together - making those first special memories in our wetlands.”
Families can follow an interactive outdoor trail around the wetlands, helping Gozzle on her journey from fuzzy fledgling to grown-up goose. Along the way, children can strike funny animal poses, hop along stepping stones to practice balance, sniff out food among the reeds and search for 15 mini Gozzles hiding along the route.
Once visitors reach the giant goose wings, it’s time to wave Gozzle off on her first migration, but the adventure doesn’t stop there. Spring is a time of discovery and a season of firsts at WWT Arundel and Gozzle encourages families to try something new together. Whether it’s a child’s first-time pond dipping, Wetland boat safari, or even their first visit to a WWT wetland centre, every visit offers new memories to make.
Additional activities during the Easter Holidays and May Half Term include Gozzle’s Vet Check station, where animal helpers can nurse a toy goose back to health. Children can explore x-rays, learn how birds are measured and handled, and discover how WWT, the wetland charity, cares for its feathered residents, just like a real vet.
Families can continue the adventure at home with Gozzle, the heartwarming and funny new picture book by Julia Donaldson and Sara Ogilvie, which is available to buy in WWT Arundel’s gift shop.
The Gozzle wetland adventure is included with admission ticket to WWT Arundel free to WWT members, and is suitable for families with young children.
