Duck the Stress this World Wetlands Day

This World Wetlands Day, 2 February 2024, we want everyone to duck the stress of modern living and visit their local wetland for a moment of calm.

This World Wetlands Day, 2 February 2024, we want everyone to duck the stress of modern living and visit their local wetland for a moment of calm.

A frozen wetlands

Research has shown that just ten minutes in a wetland setting, spaces like a marsh, lake or river, is enough to boost your mood, and WWT wants to share the stress-busting power of wetlands with as many people as possible this year.

To get more people visiting blue spaces WWT, the charity for wetlands and wildlife, has announced that for the World Wetlands Day weekend (2-4 Feb) any paying visitor or WWT member visiting their sites, including WWT Slimbridge will be able to bring a friend for free.

From 2-4 February visitors can also try one of the following daily activities:

  • Make a nature journal to take around the site and start fill in using prompts.
  • Share the love and hug a tree! Wetlands are great for biodiversity so there’s a tree for everyone at WWT Slimbridge.
  • Find slow-looking prompts in the South Lake Discovery Hide, Peng Observatory and Estuary Tower or choose a spot and focus on how nature moves, connects and flows together for 5 minutes.
  • Grab a nature pattern trail and explore the site through its winter patterns.
  • Unwind and re-awaken the senses on an accessible wellbeing walk.

A person holding binoculars

More widely WWT will be recommending some of the UK’s other best wetlands and sharing the sights and sounds of wetlands digitally for those who can’t visit a blue space in person over the World Wetlands Day weekend.

World Wetlands Day, celebrated annually on 2 February, aims to raise awareness about the vital role of wetlands for people and planet.

Find out more on our World Wetlands Day activities.

  • Share this article