Family fun this summer

We’ve been really enjoying our Junior Wetland Ranger days and from what we hear, so have you! If you haven’t given it a go yet you’re missing out, so join us for a fun filled day of adventure and fun at one of our wetland centres.

We’ve been really enjoying welcoming lots of families to our wonderful wetlands this summer with plenty of hands-on family fun.

Our wetlands are the perfect natural playground to inspire imaginations. Over the last few weeks families have been enjoying the opportunity to follow in our footsteps and find out what it’s like to be a real Wetland Ranger at some of our centres.

Let’s hear about some of their exciting experiences….

At Caerlaverock Wetland Centre, first time visitors, the Henderson family said: “A very inspirational, educational but mostly FUN afternoon for the family. Thoroughly recommend.”

7 year old Kodi pictured below (and ‘Junior Wetland Ranger’) took on the challenge and told us what he loved about his visit: “I loved catching newts, dragonflies and diving beetles when pond dipping – they’re amazing!”

After a day at Washington Wetland Centre, mum Kylie from ‘creating_a_magical_childhood’, who took part in Health Check Heroes, said:

“We never fail to have an amazing day out at WWT Washington and our visit at the weekend was no exception!

“The kids learnt so many new facts while having lots of fun, and as ever the staff were so lovely with them.”

At Arundel Wetland Centre children have also been busy with their Health Check challenge:

Roman Moss aged 9 said: “My favourite part was measuring the swan and doing the health checks, like the real rangers do, and I liked finding and counting the birds in the ‘Role Call’ challenge.”

Pictured below, Nevaeh Moody 5, Layla Moss 11, Evlyn Moody 8 in WWT uniform for “Gear Up” in Wetland Ranger kit for a selfie shoot challenge.

And at Castle Espie Wetland Centre Isla Herron aged 1 and Leo Herron aged 4 (pictured below) from Belfast enjoyed playing with the mini role play equipment as part of Castle Espie’s Junior Wetland Rangers afternoon.

Rory Nicholls, aged 6 said "My favourite part of Junior Wetland Rangers was learning how to clean up after the ducks. I got to play with mini wheelbarrow and had to brush up stones. It’s hard work being a Ranger!"

At London Wetland Centre Elsa Oliver, a visitor who took part in the Junior Wetland Rangers activities said:

"We had a fantastic day! We were looking for something different and the Junior Wetland Ranger session certainly delivered. Both my 5 year old and 11 year old were entertained by the characters of Sam and Charlie and my oldest especially liked learning facts about the different birds."

"We came for the Wetland Rangers but stayed all day as there was so much to do. Such good value for a family day out!"

See wetland wildlife in a new light

With surprising wildlife encounters guaranteed, unique experiences aplenty and memorable adventures assured, we’ve lots of other great events this summer with something for everyone.

Don’t miss our LEGO® Brick Animal Safari at Llanelli Wetland Centre:

Benji, aged 7, said "I can’t believe how long people spent building these Legos. And they had so many bricks, I’m jealous! The pelican is my favourite character because I can imagine his wings stretched out massive like a real bird. I love him!"

Plus, discover what Slimbridge means to you this summer and immerse yourself in wetland wildlife with 8 new exhibits to explore.

Young visitor Millie, aged 10, loved her recent visit, "Today we came and went to the tower, then went and fed the geese, then found the nene. The day was amazing. 10/10 day."

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