Dragonfly Day and launch of Summer of Saltmarsh events!
Come and explore this Dragonfly Hotspot and dive into a day of events, art and inspiring facts
Date: Sunday 7th June
Time: 10.00am - 3.00pm
Location: WWT Steart Marshes, Stert Drove, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA5 2PU
Price: All workshops are free but donations are welcome to support the reserve
Activities
Dragonfly Talk (10am - 11.30am) - Dragonfly expert Jon Van Gowler will be sharing his knowledge of these fantastic species, with an exploration of the dragonflies at Steart, their lifecycle, habitats and more. We only have a limited number of spaces available, so please book your space on Dragonfly Talk.
Dragonfly Walk (1pm start) - Join dragonfly expert Jon Van Gowler for a walk around the wetland walkway, with a chance to look for dragonfly species and learn more about their lives. Book your space on Dragonfly Walk.
Saltmarsh rap workshop (11am - 1pm) - Join nature rapper Martin Shiells in this hands-on and exciting music workshop, drawing on the reserve to create a saltmarsh-themed rap! This workshop is limited for space so please book on. Find out more about Saltmarsh Rap and book.
Dragonfly willow-weaving (drop-in) - Willow artist Jane Fletcher of 'Really Useful Plants' will guide you to create your own willow dragonfly. Take one home and leave one to help create a mass dragonfly exhibition for the reserve! 10.00 am - 3.00pm, drop in and join Jane below the Mendip hide.
Pond-dipping - Discover the world where dragonflies begin their life, with our drop-in pond-dipping sessions. All of the equipment is here for you to come and have a go, guided by our knowledgeable volunteers. Meet at the pond dipping platform by the Mendip hide.
Bug Hunt - Join our amazing volunteers for a bug hunt to discover the array of crawlies we have on the reserve and discover their important role in supporting this special ecosystem.
Artists in Residence
Dragonfly print-making in a hide- Local artist Margaret Micklewright, one of our Dragonfly Day 'Artists on Residence', will be set-up in the Quantock hide from 10.00am - 3.00pm. Join Margaret to create your own dragonfly, inspired by what you see on the reserve.
Dragonfly window-art and origami - 'Artist in Residence' Alison Jacobs will be set up in the Mendip hide 10.00am-3.00pm. Come and see her beautiful dragonfly window paintings and have a go at some origami dragonflies and insects.
Stalls
Lin Pop's cafe - Lin will be on site with her incredible burgers sourced from the Blue-Carbon Farming Company, who raise cattle on the reserve. Learn about how WWT and farmers are working hand in hand to support wildlife, while enjoying Lin's delicious food.
Dragonfly Jewellery - on sale on the day.
Meet a range of wildlife organisations including:
- Bumblebee Conservation Trust
- Mammal Society
- Quantock Hills National Landscape
Please contact info.steart@wwt.org.uk with any questions.
