What’s On at WWT Centres October & November 2019

Arundel https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/arundel/ WWT Arundel, Mill Road, Arundel, West Sussex, BN18 9PB

Wetland Discovery Boat Safari Daily Regular departures from 11:30 – 15:30 Suggested donation £1 https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/arundel/whats-on/wetland-discovery- boat-safari/3758 Kingfisher? Water vole? Grey heron? What will you spot on this specially guided trail? The best way to experience wetlands is by boat. Glide effortlessly through the reeds to see at its most tranquil. Every day, our quiet boats take you through four types of wetland habitats where our guides help you spot an ever- changing array of wildlife. Non-motorised wheelchairs are admitted on the boat safari. A boat safari lasts 15-30 minutes.

Pond Dipping Saturday and Sunday only (Sat 7 Sep – Sat 2 Nov) Free with admission. https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/arundel/whats-on/-dipping/4721

The Pond Explorer station has been expanded and is open weekends and holidays for pond dipping. Occasionally pond dipping sessions will be held at the Raised Pond near the Visitor Centre.

We’ve everything you need to uncover incredible underwater life: nets, an on screen microscope, identity charts, and our friendly Learning Team are on-hand to help.

Discover Birds Weekend - Oct Saturday 5 Oct and Sunday 6 Oct Free with admission. https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/arundel/whats-on/discover-birds-weekend-oct/5386 Discover winter migrants on this seasonal weekend of free walks and talks.

On the wild side learn who’s who, who’s here and where to find them with our WWT experts. Or spend a spotlight session with a keeper to focus on a special species.

A full program of walks & talks will be listed as the event approaches – see website for more information.

Nocturnal Nature half term Saturday 26 Oct - Sunday 3 Nov Free with admission (owl pellet dissection activity £5). Book the session on the day at the centre information desk https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/arundel/whats-on/nocturnal-nature-half-term-1/5359

This October half term families can explore the ‘Nocturnal Nature’ of our wicked wetlands in the safety of daylight!

Arundel has resident barn owls, a healthy bat population and eels of all sizes swimming through the ditches – all active at night! Discover more about our nightime nature with an owl pellet dissections sessions, a Batty Trail and Creepy Crafts. Capture tiny creatures at the Pond Explorer, too.

At the Owl Pellet Dissection workshops families discover what creatures are swallowed whole by the beaks of hungry barn owls. These 30 minute workshops provide each family with an owl pellet, gloves and magnifiers to pick apart a pellet and ID the tiny bones. Fascinating - kids love it!

Winter Wellness Weekend Saturday 16 Nov – Sun 17 Nov Free with admission. Some activities require sign-up in centre on the day but advance booking is not required https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/arundel/whats-on/winter-wellness-wekend/5357

Try free taster sessions on mindfulness, yoga and more to stay healthy and stress free this winter. Sir Peter Scott started the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust in part to help enhance people’s lives by being close to nature. You can exercise your body and soul along the pathways and secret spots around our beautiful wetlands reserve, too.

A full schedule of activity will be listed closer to the event date. See web site for more information.

Caerlaverock https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/caerlaverock/ WWT Caerlaverock, Eastpark Farm, Dumfriesshire, Scotland, DG1 4RS

Dumfries Camera Club Exhibition Sunday 15 September – Saturday 26 October Daily 10am- 5pm Free with admission https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/caerlaverock/whats-on/dumfries-camera-club- exhibition-1/5281 Founded in 1947, Dumfries Camera Club is one of Scotland’s more successful camera clubs, We meet in Gracefield’s Art Centre on a Wednesday evening from September through to the beginning of May and our programme includes guest speakers, competition nights, fun nights and a few practical sessions. During the summer ‘closed’ season we arrange a number of trips away including visits to Beamish and the Edinburgh Festival.

Our members are interested in all aspects of photography including portraiture, sport, still life, landscape as well as wildlife. Many take part in national and international competitions, whilst others are content to improve their skills and enjoyment with no thoughts of entering competitions.

We hope you enjoy this exhibition which shows a small selection of the work of our members. These photographs were all taken locally within illustrating the wonderful opportunities we have on our doorstep.

Wild Feeds Tue 1 October – Tue 31 March Free with admission 11AM AND 2PM DAILY https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/caerlaverock/whats-on/wild-swan-feeds-1/5375 Experience the sights and sounds of hundreds of whooper , mute swans, and geese at the daily swans feeds, commentated by the warden. Learn more about the whooper swans as they arrive from their migration from Iceland. Use the touchscreen in the Sir Peter Scott Observatory to find out more about the individual whooper swans out on the Whooper pond.

Wild Weekend Sat 12 - Sun 13 October Free with admission https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/caerlaverock/whats-on/wild-goose-weekend-1/5363 Join us at WWT Caerlaverock to celebrate the return of thousands of wild barnacle geese and pink footed geese to the . This is the second year of the Wild Goose Weekend and this year we are pleased to also be part of the Scotland and the Arctic Festival in Dumfries.

Listen to interesting talks from WWT scientists on the latest research into geese, talks from local authors, guided goose walks and workshops on the reserve and walks to see thousands of barnacle geese flighting in from the Solway at dawn and out again to roost at dusk.

For families, we are excited to have two professional storytellers here over the weekend, to tell stories in the yurt. There will also be a variety of fun art and craft activities to take part in. Don’t miss the spectacular sight of these geese!

Wild Geese from Wardlaw Sat 12 October Free with admission https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/caerlaverock/whats-on/wild-geese-from-wardlaw/5378 Take a gander with a wander up Wardlaw! As part of the Wild Goose Weekend, WWT Caerlaverock wardens are joining SNH staff to lead a walk up Wardlaw Hill to see the dusk flight of the pink footed geese out to the Solway.

Broomstick Flight Training Wed 16b October and Wed 23 October 11.30am and 1pm Free with admission - booking required https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/caerlaverock/whats-on/broomstick-flight-training/4884

One for the family! Learn to fly a broomstick before taking to the sky and flying the perilous journey from Iceland to Caerlaverock, following the swans and dodging obstacles as you go along. Can you land at Caerlaverock safely to get your broomstick pilot licence?

Potions Sat 26 Octobber Free with admission 11.30 and 1pm - booking required https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/caerlaverock/whats-on/potions-trail/4879 Use the spell created by our Wetland Wizard, to find all the ingredients for your magical wetland potion. Take part in a scavenger hunt around the reserve to find all the ingredients for your potion, then meet the Wetland Wizard to stir up a spell!

Winter Collective Nouns Trail Tue 1 October – Thu 31 October Free with admission https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/caerlaverock/whats-on/winter-collective-nouns-trail- 1/5372 There are some lovely collective nouns for birds. Find out some interesting ones relating to the winter wildfowl on our reserve!

‘Rooks and Robins’ Bird photography Exhibition Sun 27 October – Sat 14 December 10am – 5pm Free with admission https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/caerlaverock/whats-on/robins-and-rooks/5242 An exhibition of bird photography by 12-year old Viktor Seifert who has been shortlisted three times for the British Wildlife Photography Award.

Viktor has been a keen photographer ever since he got his first camera for his fourth birthday. His fascination with wildlife photography started several years ago, during an inspiring stay at WWT Caerlaverock. He has returned regularly since, focussing on bird photography. More recently, he has explored birdlife in Germany and in Italy.

Viktor is also a talented musician and has won awards as a violinist, pianist and composer. He is a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland and of the National Children’s Orchestras of Great Britain.

Visit WWT Caerlaverock and enjoy Viktor’s amazing bird photographs from Scotland and further afield.

Castle Espie https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/castle-espie/ WWT Castle Espie, 78 Ballydrain Road, Co Down, N Ireland, BT23 6EA

Incredible Journey Trail Sat 14 Sep – Sun 24 Nov Free with admission https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/castle-espie/whats-on/incredible-journey-trail/5409 Celebrate the return of our favourite arctic arrivals, the light-bellied Brent Geese and experience the migration journey that a phenomenal 25,000 Brent geese make from Arctic Canada to our very own Strangford Lough every autumn. Pick up your compass at reception and go on your own incredible journey and see if you can travel the incredible 3,000-equivalent miles successfully around our reserve!

Little Ducklings Day Wednesday 2 October (and the first Wednesday of every month) £5 per child Limited spaces, please book in advance https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/castle-espie/whats-on/little-ducklings-day-6/5405 A special parent and tots day. Come along with your toddlers to enjoy a guided, themed play session especially for them where they can have fun in our Brent Soft Play Barn.

Big Brent Event Sat 5 October – Sun 6 October Free with admission -please book in advance https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/castle-espie/whats-on/the-big-brent-event-2018/4907 Celebrate the return of our favourite arctic arrivals, the Light-bellied Brent Geese and explore their incredible migration journey as the Big Brent Event returns to Castle Espie Our fully renovated Brent Discovery Hide is the perfect place to watch and listen to these remarkable birds and experience the return of 25,000 Brent Geese lured back each year to Strangford Lough. Daily walks, talks and family fun include:

Mini Explorers Sensory Sessions – experience the migration journey of the Brent Geese through sensory play sessions. 12pm – 4pm* Face painting - Get your face painted like a Brent Geese, or your favourite wetland creature! Drop in between 12pm - 4pm in the Limekiln Observatory. Art Session with Bernice Anderson – Drop in between 12pm - 4pm in the Limekiln Observatory. (Sunday only) Family Guide in the Hide – Drop in between 11am – 3pm in the Brent Discovery Hide. Expert Bird Watch Session - 10am – 11am (meet at reception) Brent goose craft in the centre * Pre booking essential - contact the centre.

Spellbound Festival - Halloween Tue 29 October – Thu 31 October Free with admission https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/castle-espie/whats-on/spellbound-festival-2018/5410 Join us for some spooky fun this Halloween as you learn how to fly a Broomstick (12pm 2pm & 3pm), make magical potions in the woodland (12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm & 4pm) and enjoy some spooky storytelling sessions (31 Oct, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm & 4pm)!

Plus, every day of half term there’s frightful fun with face painting at the Limekiln (drop in), Halloween wetland crafts (12pm – 4pm) and don’t miss our NEW ghoulishly gruesome Nauseating Nature trail throughout half term and learn about the dark side of the natural world, will you be in for a trick or a treat…

Birdwatch Morning Wed 30 October 10.30am Free with admission https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/castle-espie/whats-on/birdwatch-morning-2/5157 Join our experts on the last Wednesday of the month for a morning of birdwatching. Take a closer look at the variety of birds on our wetland reserve and maybe spot something new!

Llanelli https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/llanelli/ WWT Llanelli, Llwynhendy, Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, SA14 9SH

LEGO® Brick Animal Trail & Brick workshops Daily, Saturday 7 September – Sunday 3 November Free with admission (Brick workshops cost £10 per person) https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/llanelli/whats-on/legor-brick-animal-trail-4/5324 Half term fun! WWT’s much-loved, amazing giant LEGO® brick animal trail returns to Llanelli Wetland Centre!

PLUS! October Half Term LEGO Brick Workshops (£10 per person)

Discover 14 GIANT LEGO brick animals on the UK's only wetland brick animal trail, with 3 NEW models never before seen at WWT Llanelli posing amongst their real-life cousins in our beautiful wetlands.

The giant models, some up to twelve times the size of the real wetland animals that inspired them, include Flavia the Andean flamingo, a riot of pink bricks; Emily the Emperor dragonfly, resplendently perched on a LEGO brick reed, and Benedict the Bewick’s swan, magnificently stretching his brick wings. Over 254,000 LEGO bricks were used to make our wetland animal family, and it took 1,561 hours to make all 14 giant wetland characters, with Fred the Frog taking the longest time to make at a whopping 244 hours!

Feeling creative? We'll also have our LEGO brick play tables ready for you to make your own amazing creations inspired by wetland wildlife - make sure you take a photo of what you create and share it with us on social media #LEGOBrickAnimals and you could win a prize for your efforts!

Relaxed LEGO® Brick workshops Sun 27 October and Wed 30 October Free with admission (Brick workshops cost £10 per person) https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/llanelli/whats-on/relaxed-legor-brick-workshops/5360

Join us for a relaxed, engaging Brick owl workshop – perfect for children with additional needs. Build as many LEGO brick ducklings as you can and see if you can design a vehicle for a wildlife ranger mini-figure to go on a ‘wetland wildlife safari’ – how far will yours travel?

Spaces on this workshop are limited to just 8 children, so if your child would prefer to build a LEGO® brick owl in a quieter, more relaxed environment then this will be perfect for them. The cost of the workshop is £10 and the children will have their very own LEGO brick owl to take home. Suitable for ages 4+. Children must be accompanied by adults and vice-versa!

London https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/london/ WWT London, Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes, London, SW13 9WT

Autumnwatch Experience (half term) 19 October – 3 November Free with admission https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/london/whats-on/bbc-autumnwatch-experience/5458 Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a wildlife presenter? Now's the time to find out, at the Autumnwatch Experience at London Wetland Centre! On 12th October, our Experience will become Autumnwatch, with an updated autumn-inspired set and new wildlife clips to narrate, plus a NEW researcher element. Take on the role of a wildlife researcher and set off into the wild exploring the award- winning nature reserve. Discover fascinating wetland wildlife using a specially created log book to guide you to seasonal wildlife highlights. Join in bird watching or pond dipping sessions with an expert guide, then take your new-found wildlife expertise back to the Autumnwatch experience, at the Lodge’ where you can present your findings. Don't forget to film yourself on your mobile phone. Then show everyone how good you are at being a wildlife presenter by sharing your video with friends and family. So if you think you've got what it takes to be the new face of wildlife presenting, don't miss the Autumnwatch Experience.

Wildlife Researchers – Half term activity Sat 19 October – Sun 3 November Free with admission https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/london/whats-on/wildlife-researchers/5457 Help our experts by researching the wildlife that lives on our site. Use your log book to guide you to the best spots to search for seasonal wildlife, or join in pond dipping & birdwatching to discover which species are passing through.

Pond Dipping: Grab a net and search for the animals that live beneath the surface of our .All ages. 10:30am & 2pm

Birdwatching – Migration Watch: Gaze through a pair of binoculars to help us find our Winter Visitors. You’ll be amazed by how some of these birds get to our wetlands. 1pm

Wild Play - Leaf Heroes: Make your own leaf hero and watch them soar to the ground in their handmade leaf parachute. 11:15am & 2:45pm

Halloween Night Safari Thu 31 October Free with admission Suitable for ages 8+ https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/london/whats-on/halloween-night-safari-1/5476 Ever wondered what creatures lurk around the London Wetland Centre after dark?

Join us for a spooky night time adventure, searching for the wildlife that comes out at night. Build a den to hide from Halloween monsters and make a fire to keep you snug. We’ll finish the evening toasting marshmallows on the campfire, telling scary Halloween stories. Dressing up encouraged - just make sure you're warm and comfortable!

Meet the Otters Daily 11:00 and 14:00 Free with admission https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/london/whats-on/meet-the-otters/2055 Meet our otters – our very own swimming superstars! Watch the otters playing, foraging, feeding, swimming and grooming.

Martin https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/martin-mere/ WWT Martin Mere, Fish Lane, Burscough, Lancashire, L40 0TA

Toddler Thursday Every Thursday during term time 10:30 – 13:00 Free with admission https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/martin-mere/whats-on/toddler- thursday/304 Entertain the little ones by coming along to our story time, every Thursday during term time at 10:30 and 13:00. Before and after the session you can also hand feed the birds, make a small den out of conifer, play on the woodland play area by the canoe safari, and explore our adventure play area.

Halloween Fest Saturday 19 October – Sunday 3 November Activities vary from 50p - £3.00 per person https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/martin-mere/whats-on/halloween-fest-1/5384

Join us for an action packed day out this October Half Term. We’ve got loads of activities for the whole family to enjoy!

Pumpkin Hunt Can you find all of the pumpkins hidden around our grounds to reveal the mystery spooky word? Get your detective hats on and see how many you can find – solve the puzzle and get your tasty reward!

Time: 9.30am-4.30pm

Price: 50p per trail entry

Pumpkin Carving Get creative in our pumpkin carving room! We’ve got all the tools you need to make the spookiest face you can in your pumpkin – and, even better, we do all the cleaning up too!

Time: 11.30am-3.30pm (available until October 31st)

Price: £3 per pumpkin or 2 for £5

Broomstick Flight Training Put yourself in the place of a migrating swan and try our broomstick flight training experience. Learn all about the incredible journey whooper swans make from Iceland to Martin Mere and work your way around our migration obstacle course – look out for predators, pylons and wind turbines!

Time: 11am-3.30pm (every half hour)

Price: 50p per child

Notes: This activity is ticketed. Please collect a ticket for a time slot from the Information Desk when you arrive.

Canoe Scarefari For those who want that extra-spooky adventure, be sure to take a trip on our kilometre long canoe scare-fari! Dodge giant spiders and other critters as you sail across the water.

Time: 11am-4pm

Price: £3 per boat seat. (£8 per canoe,seats 3).

Additional Activities Make the most of your visit by taking part in the wide range of additional activities available at the centre, including our daily talks, den building, huge play area with wet play and much more.

My World of Water Birds Tue 10 September – Sunday 20 October

Free with admission https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/martin-mere/whats-on/my-world-of-water-birds/5382 Mike Potts has had a lifelong interest in Natural History and began his career in wildlife working for WWT in the early 1960’s. For the past 35 years he has been a Wildlife Cameraman, mainly for the BBC’s Natural History Unit.

Birds are his specialty and he has worked on many acclaimed BBC series such as "", “” and many programmes in the Natural World series. A particular favourite was working with on “Attenborough in Paradise”, filming Birds of Paradise in the forests of New Guinea.

Mike’s last film was on Hummingbirds, but his greatest passion is still for wildfowl and he is now spending more time photographing them all over the world, most recently on the subantarctic islands of Auckland, Campbell and South Georgia. Many of Mikes pictures have been reproduced in magazines and books and he has had previous exhibitions at WWT centres at Slimbridge and Welney. This exhibition brings together photographs of wildfowl, seabirds and shorebirds taken over many years.

Slimbridge https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/slimbridge/ WWT Slimbridge, Bowditch, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire, GL2 7BT

Please note that WWT Slimbridge will be closed Thu 10 & Fri 11, Mon 14 - Fri 18, Mon 21 & Tue 22 October. This is due to unavoidable road closures in Slimbridge village. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

October Half Term Sat 26 – Sun 3 November Free with admission https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/slimbridge/whats-on/october-half-term-1/5424 Now is a fantastic time to wrap up warm and get to know our ducks, geese and swans in the fresh air.

We will be bustling with activities throughout October half-term. Head to the Arctic Adventure experience to meet our WWT researcher this October Half-Term. Spot the first of the Bewick's swans and take part in the Migration Game!

Children can try out bird watching with workshops taking place at South or venture out on a canoe safari and look out for all the autumn wildlife. See website for more information.

Washington https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/washington/ WWT Washington, Pattinson, Washington, , NE38 8LE

Otter Feed Daily

11:30 and 14:30 Free with admission https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/washington/whats-on/daily-otter-feed/5141 Find out more about our engaging otter pair Musa and Mimi and their son Buster.

Flamingo Talks Daily 11:45 and 14:45 Free with admission https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/washington/whats-on/daily-flamingo-talks/5142 Discover more about our fabulous Chilean flamingo flock and hear about their newly installed solar-powered house.

Nauseating Nature Trail – Halloween Tue 1 October – Thu 31 October Free with admission https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/washington/whats-on/nauseating-nature-trail-1/5367 A trick or treat awaits you...

Our Nauseating Nature trail returns this October with more foul facts and stomach- turning tales about the underworld of wetlands and the wildlife that lurk within. Learn horrid facts about nature and brave the sensory boxes to see what's inside... will there be a sickly trick or a tantalising treat waiting for you?

Pick up a trail guide at the admissions desk, follow the map and find out… and don't forget to pick up your trick or treat prize from the admissions desk when you finish by shouting 'trick or treat'!

BE WARNED! There may be some putrid pongs and creepy things to touch along the way...

Nature Fright Nights – Halloween Tue 29 October – Thu 31 October Admission ticket + £8 activity fee – pre-booking essential https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/washington/whats-on/nature-fright-nights/4787 See nocturnal nature at its worst during one of our Nature Fright Nights! Start your night in the Discovery Centre, where you'll do Halloween crafts making a spooky lantern to take on your adventure. You'll then head outdoors for a night-time stroll, stopping to enjoy bat detecting in Hollowood before venturing to Hunters Shriek cabin for potion making and outdoor stories. Then back to the centre for a tasty Halloween treat!

Sessions run from 5-7pm. Please bring an empty jam jar to create your lantern. Outdoor/warm clothing and suitable footwear are recommended. Fancy dress is, of course, welcome, however, please dress for the weather while outdoors!

When: Tuesday 29, Wednesday 30 and Thursday 31 October - pre-booking essential

Cost: £8 per person.

Family Friendly Halloween Crafts Sat 26 – Sun 3 November Small costs may apply to take part in some activities https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/washington/whats-on/half-term-crafts/5411 Get creative with Halloween themed family-friendly crafts in the Discovery Centre all throughout the October half-term.

Drop-in sessions 1pm - 2.30pm.

Guide in a hide Sat 5, and Sat 19 October Free with admission 10-12 and 2-4pm https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/washington/whats-on/guide-in-a-hide/3657 Discover more about our diverse wild bird species with the help of our volunteer hide guide.

The guide will be on site from 10am-noon and 2-4pm, please check on arrival for details of which hide they’re in.

Welney https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/welney/ WWT Welney, Hundred Foot Bank, Welney Wetland Centre Station Road, Welney, Wisbech PE14 9TN

3.30pm Swan feeds Sat 19 October – Sun 8 March Free with admission https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/welney/whats-on/330pm-swan-feeds/5461

Spend an afternoon at one of our winter wild swan feeds enjoying this experience from the comfort of our centrally-heated hide.

The excitement builds as the birds get ready to be fed, swans and ducks line-up waiting for the guide to appear. The live commentary begins and after an introduction to the reserve, the guide makes their way out to feed the birds. Watch a serene lagoon turn into a hive of activity as the birds feed! Enjoy close-up views of whooper and mute swans, the guide will point out any family groups or ringed individuals.

The pochard are busy diving beneath the surface of the water for the grain and the say 'bottom's up' as they get in on the action.

After the feed, there is time to ask the guide any questions.

As dusk falls more swans fly back onto the reserve, from the fields they have been feeding in throughout the day. This creates a spectacular view of swans gliding overhead and decending onto the surface of the water.

Cost: Included in normal admission and free to members, no need to book.

Time: 3.30pm start - please note: We advise arriving at the centre 30 minutes prior to the swan feed.

Sketch to screen print workshops for kids – half term Tue 22, Thu 24 & Fri 25 October £12 per child, per session https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/welney/whats-on/screen-printing-for-kids/5438 Join us over half term for an introduction to drawing and print making with local wildlife artist and printmaker, Nicola Bramley. Book a fun two hour session for your kids to learn how to take a sketch to screen-print. The workshop will guide you through how to make a field sketch, design and cut paper stencils, screen print onto fabric. All to create a tote bag with an individual design, to take home at the end of the session. Time: 10am to 1200hrs or 1400hrs to 1600hrs on Tues & Thurs and Fri am slot only

Cost: £12.00 per child per session Participants will need to wear old clothes and arrive ready to start at 10 or 2

Parents or carers are welcome to stay if necessary, or head up to the Wigeon Cafe for refreshments.

Hare Walk Sat 2 November – Sat 29 February (Mon, Thu & Sat only) Free with admission 2.00-3.00 pm https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/welney/whats-on/hare-walk/5470 Hares are adapted to open country, and you can't get much more open than the landscape of the . But most people only catch a glimpse of a hare on the arable land, as they drive around this area. Our guides will take you for a walk onto an area of wetland not normally open to the public, but which is particularly good for hares. During the winter the added advantage of short vegetation makes these mammals easier to observe. With a bit of sunshine, the hares can often be tempted to go in search of females, which can lead to some early boxing!

Swans awake Sun 17 November Admission ticket plus extra cost for this activity: adults £12, children £5 (optional breakfast, £8.60 for a cooked breakfast or £4.35 for a lighter butty breakfast) https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/welney/whats-on/swans-awake-1/5462 Join our warden before dawn to watch the stunning sight of thousands of swans waking up on the wetlands.

Time: 6am - 9am

Cost: adults £12, children £5 (optional breakfast, £8.60 for a cooked breakfast or £4.35 for a lighter butty breakfast)

Each winter thousands of Bewick's and whooper swans make their winter migration to the UK, to escape colder countries. Bewick's are the smallest and rarest of the three swan species in the UK. Being much more timid than the larger whooper swans they tend to stay away from the swan feeds, so venturing out early gives you the best chance to see them.

The haunting landscape of the Fens fills with the sound of swans calling to one another, their large feet slapping the water as they take off and their wing beats as they pass over head.

During the event access is given to the wildlife photography hide, towards the end of the event the birds on the main lagoon are given their breakfast and then you return to the visitor centre for your breakfast.

Weather permitting.