Get all the family outdoors this winter and discover our wild side

There’s nothing like wrapping up warm and getting out there for a winter adventure. So why not plan a visit to one of our wetland centres?

There’s nothing like wrapping up warm and getting out there for a winter adventure. So why not plan a visit to one of our wetland centres and explore our wild reserves?

Take in the peaceful stillness of a clear winter’s morning, enjoy the awe-inspiring spectacle of thousands of migratory birds or enjoy a wild walk in our dramatic and changeable wildlife-rich reserves. Whatever you choose to do, it’s a great way to relax, have fun and make memories. For inspiration, we’ve put together a list of ‘seven wild wonders of wetlands’ for you to discover and soak up when you visit this winter.

1. See our spectacular winter visitors

Our wetlands come alive in winter with thousands of swans, geese and birds arriving to find a home for the colder months. Getting closer to this spectacle at our sites is a truly magical experience for all the family. Our swan feeds are an opportunity to learn all about them from our on-site experts at Caerlaverock Wetland Centre, Martin Mere and Welney. For a truly magical experience discover winter wildlife at sunrise and sunset with special floodlit swan feed opportunities on weekends at Welney. At Slimbridge Wetland Centre the wild bird feed is not to be missed. You’ll discover how far they’ve travelled, how they navigate and where they’ve come from. You’ll even hear stories about individual swans that visit us year after year.

Discover more about the winter migration spectacle at our sites

2. Marvel at nature’s wintry beauty

Wetlands really are breath-taking at this time of year – in fact, it’s the perfect place for a winter selfie with the wow factor. Dazzling winter light, stunning sunsets and magical murmurations all make our centres the perfect place for capturing some precious family memories and having a go at a bit of wildlife photography. Encourage the kids to join in and see the world through their eyes, it’s always more interesting, and you might just spark a new passion.

So who can take the best wildlife picture? Why not have a family photo competition? Just don’t get too competitive!

Check out our expert tips for winter photography

3. Be inspired and uplifted by our wild side

Being on our wetlands has been proven to reduce stress and increase wellbeing. So why not bring the whole family along to enjoy the fresh air, space to run around, no screens (a welcome break for us all) and a valuable chance to be together? Our wetlands are also a great place to take some time out for yourself, whether it’s a walk and talk with a friend, or some alone time in the gentle company of wetland nature.

Find out more about nature’s healing power

4. Stop, look and listen

Children are great at being in the moment, they use all their senses to learn about the world around them. It’s also an integral part of the practice of mindfulness but it’s something we don’t do instinctively as we get older. So get the kids to show you how it’s done, ask them to take you on a senses scavenger hunt around our wetlands for a truly mindful natural experience. At this time of year our reserves are full of visiting birds. Listening is an important mindfulness skill (you might find you’re better at this one than the kids!) so keep an ear out and use our audio guide to distinguish your Bewick swans from your Whoopers.

5. Step into the wild

There’s nothing like wrapping up warm and getting out there for a winter adventure. So blow the winter cobwebs away and join us for some family fun. At Washington, connect to nature with the help of our activity guide. Pick one up and set off to experience your own Wild Welly Walk. Our Wild Walk at London has discoveries for everyone – negotiate your way across balance beams, a wobbly bridge and muddy meadows! And then – if you needed one – you’ve got the perfect excuse to head to one of our cosy cafes to warm up afterwards.

6. Seek out special places

Wetlands are amazing places all year round but winter can be a great time to discover the things you might not spot during the busyness of the summer months. With many trees and plants leaf-free at this time of year it can be easier to spot wildlife. Seek out some secluded spots – also perfect for a game of hide and seek - and look out for wetland favourites such as kingfishers, swans, geese, ducks and bearded tit. Reedbeds can be great fun at this time of year. Enjoy our peaceful reedbed walk at Martin Mere or rustle through the reeds at our ‘explore’ wild play area at Llanelli. For a truly memorable experience, head out on our boat safari at Arundel Wetland Centre. If you’re lucky you might spot a water vole, they’re shy but they don’t hibernate, so now is a great time to spot them.

7. See wetland wildlife in a new light

Get together with family and friends and discover our wild and wonderful events and activities this winter. Discover ‘Illuminature’ at London and explore our enchanted wetlands after dark guided by larger-than-life illuminated sculptures.

Plus don’t miss our GIANT LEGO® Brick Animals at Martin Mere. The sculptures showcase beautiful wetland animals, including a large North American River Otter, a white stork, an owl and a water vole. Over 250,000 LEGO bricks were used to make the wetland characters, which took over 1,500 hours to make!

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