Restore your wellbeing in our wetlands this autumn

A sense of calm descends as the busyness of long summer days come to an end and our lives return to a bit more of a routine. It’s time to take stock, check in and slow down.

A sense of calm descends as the busyness of long summer days come to an end and our lives return to a bit more of a routine. It’s time to take stock, check in and slow down. So join us and discover the benefits of experiencing a deep connection with nature in our uplifting wetlands full of inspiring wildlife.

We know that being in and around nature is good for us - think tree bathing, wild swimming, sleeping under the stars – it also makes us feel happier. However, nature connectedness (a scientific term defined by work from the University of Derby) takes this one stage further creating an experience more meaningful and deeper than simply being in nature.

Just as wetlands offer sanctuary to thousands of animals, they also make the perfect place for us to relax and slow down. Spending time in nature - particularly near water - has real wellbeing benefits. It’s been proven to make us feel happier and reduce negative thoughts and levels of stress. At WWT our pioneering work into wellbeing is helping to transform the way you experience wetlands. Restore your wellbeing in our wetlands this autumn and explore a deeper connection with nature.

Engage yourself

Our bat and barn owl evenings held at Arundel Wetland Centre and Welney Wetland Centre offer the perfect opportunity to engage your senses. Experiencing wildlife at night requires a whole new set of skills. In the dark you can’t rely on sight so take the opportunity to - touch, smell, listen (perhaps avoid taste on this occasion) as you get up close with these fascinating creatures.

Let it go

As adults it’s easy to forget to have fun. Doing something that reconnects us with childhood like pond dipping is a great way to rekindle those playful feelings we can sometimes lose touch with as we get older. Don’t let the kids have all the fun, our adult pond dipping sessions at London Wetland Centre are especially for adults – it’s time to let the inner child loose!

Feel the joy

When the sun hits water, whether at sunrise or sunset, something magical happens. Lose yourself in the beauty of the colours and feel the magic as the world transforms before your eyes. High tide watch at Llanelli Wetland Centre will have you marvelling at the power of nature. And next month keep an eye out for dawn and dusk events at Martin Mere Wetland Centre.

What better way to notice and appreciate the beauty in nature than to create some wild art. At Slimbridge Wetland Centre we’re running a series of special art workshops led by local artists in our new Art Hub. Suitable for all levels the workshops let you explore different materials like lino printing, watercolours and stained glass using nature and wetland wildlife to inspire you.

Be inspired

Migration is one of the most awe-inspiring events of the natural world. If you really take the time to think about what these birds go through to make their perilous journeys you can experience one of those moments that nature is so good at delivering – the feeling that we’re part of something extraordinary. Look out for the first arrivals of barnacle geese at Caerlaverock Wetland Centre and the brent geese arriving at Castle Espie Wetland Centre.

Nurturing nature

One of the best ways to connect with nature is to look after it. Get inspired at Slimbridge Wetland Centre and step back in time on a tour of Scott House Museum. Find out how Sir Peter Scott made Slimbridge the birthplace of modern conservation as you enter his home, bursting at the seams with his notebooks, sketches, books and record collection.

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