Summer exploring whatever the weather

While wet weather can be a little off-putting, it can actually make for a perfect rainy day, summer adventure!

With lots of things to see, smell and listen out for, there's so much to explore in our woodlands and wetlands during the wetter weather - and you'll probably have much of the outdoor space to yourself!

So if you're planning a visit or are already here and the heavens open, see it as an opportunity to try some of these rainy day activities...

Wildlife and nature activities

• Watch our cheeky Asian short-clawed otters Musa and Buster as they swim, splash and play. These entertaining animals can regularly be seen enjoying a mooch in the rain before heading to dry out in the warmth of their holt. Our keeper talks are on in all weathers too, so drop by and hear more about them at 11.30am and 2.30pm every day.

• Damp days provide great conditions for seeing a range of insects. Venture into North Wood or Hollowood and see if you can spot any hard-shelled woodlice (did you know they shed their skin as they grow!?), leggy millipedes, wriggly earthworms or slimy slugs on your travels.
• Our collection birds always entertain, but there's something serene about watching them splash and preen in the rain. Check out this image by our volunteer photographer Owen!

• Wader Lake is a great place to hide from the rain, with a choice of waterside hides to pull up a pew. Hunker down and enjoy easy views of a range of birds during the summer, including grey heron, common tern, avocet.
• Our reedbed shelter has gorgeous views up towards Penshaw Monument, but there's also lots to hear. Listening ears on for warblers such as sedge warbler, chiffchaff, reed warblers and whitethroats in the nearby reeds and hedges. Check out our info boards for some cool water facts too!

• Check out our recycled Waterlab where you can learn a little more about the process of rain and the water cycle, and discover the clever ways in which we use water in our award-winning Working Wetland Garden. Try your hand at pumping rain water to activate the tippy cups and water wheel, or listen to the sound of rain on the metal roof as you enjoy a mindful moment.

Creative activities

• Try your hand at photography, looking for ripples in the water and reflections that give your work an edge or even during those heavy downpours, the blur of the rain often giving another dimension to your work . Don't forget to share your photos with us please...we'd love to see them!
• Make some natural art - this could be using leaves, sticks, berries or pine cones to make shapes and patterns or adding leaves to puddles and making them dance. The natural world (and your creativity) is all you need!

• And of course, everyone's favourite rainy day activity...throw on your wellies and see who can do the biggest puddle jump!
• Then warm up with a well-earned brew or tasty hot chocolate from our café before you head home.

Happy splashing!

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