Reimagine the wonder

of wetlands and nature through the eyes of the UK’s best loved illustrator

Drawn to Water is a year-long partnership between WWT and Quentin Blake. Visit a wetland site near you to discover illustrated trails, art inspired activities, workshops and a touring exhibition.

Autumn
Winter

Fill your senses with colour this autumn

Pull on your boots and discover the magic of our wetlands this autumn with Quentin Blake's illustrations as your guide.

Quentin says "Visitors will be walking with me, and I like to think of myself walking with them. I shan't mind if I get my feet wet."

Pick up one of our Drawn to Water illustrated trails and explore our seasonal natural highlights, from quiet spots with breathtaking views to close up wildlife encounters. Spend time with friends and family and engage your senses as you experience uplifting autumnal colours, the crunch of leaves underfoot and the sounds of migrating birds.

Unlock your creativity and explore wetland nature through our range of art and illustration activities for all ages and abilities, inspired by Quentin Blake's wonderfully distinctive drawings.

Adventures worth leaving your nest for

While other parts of the natural world hibernate, wetlands come to life in winter as thousands of migrating birds make our centres their home.

So grab your best bobble hat, pick up a Quentin Blake ‘Drawn to Water’ illustrated guide, and get exploring.

From a morning walk with the satisfying crunch of ice underfoot to a peaceful spot where you can get closer to amazing winter wildlife, there’s always something new to discover at this time of year.

Let your creativity run wild with wintery art activities for all ages and abilities, inspired by Quentin Blake's distinctive drawings. Or hone your photography skills surrounded by glistening frost and skies filled with beating wings.

And when you’ve had your fill of the cold, pop into our café and warm up with a hot drink or tasty bite to eat.

National Art Competition

Are you drawn to water, just like Quentin Blake? Enter your wetlands-inspired artwork into our national art competition to win a one-off framed print.

Quentin Blake exhibition

Discover over 50 lesser-spotted illustrations from Quentin Blake’s personal archive, telling the story of his passion for wetlands and wildlife. Don't miss our Drawn to Water exhibition at WWT Castle Espie and WWT Martin Mere.

Gifts

Our Quentin Blake books, mugs, prints and cards are perfect gifts for nature lovers and art lovers alike. And an ideal memento of your winter wetland adventure. Visit our shop to find out more.

Adventure is waiting in the wings

For a full range of activities and events taking place find your nearest wetland site.

View all our wetland sites on a map

Drawn to Water: Quentin Blake at WWT is a year-long partnership between WWT and Quentin Blake, one of the UK's best-known and well-loved illustrators, to celebrate the wonders of wetlands.

The experience is available nationally at our ten UK wetland sites until February 2024.

Share your wetland adventures with us #WWTQuentinBlake