Become a Nature Explorer this summer

Boy pond dippng at Slimbridge by Ben Langdon photography
Boy pond dippng at Slimbridge by Ben Langdon photography

Families can get back to nature with the summer holiday activities planned at WWT Slimbridge this school summer holidays.

Every day (from July 20th) pond dipping and amphibian handling will be on offer at the Wetland Centre as well as new nature-themed activities each week.

Activities include taking the great skull challenge, pond dipping, going on a mini-beast hunt, investigating a moth trap, spotting birds, wildlife themed arts and crafts, examining animal tracks and listening to night time animal sounds.

Every week of Nature Explorers has a different theme covering topics such as mammals, amphibians, plants and birds.

Laura Cowlrick, seasonal learning assistant, said: “Parents tell us their children love to challenge themselves and succeed in activities so this summer we have a really exciting and varied range of things to do which are suitable for all ages.

“We have also introduced a special stamping card so they can work their way to becoming a Nature Explorer.

“To ensure our regular visitors are always discovering new things we have a new nature theme every week although the firm favourite pond dipping will still be available every day!

“Overall we hope the activities will engage and excite children and leave them with a sense of the importance of wildlife and plants to wetland habitats.”

As well as the Nature Explorer activities, families can take part in daily pond dipping sessions at the Pond Zone area throughout the summer.

All the equipment is provided at these supervised sessions which will run from 2pm to 3.30pm. The area also has a special microscope so families can examine their finds up close.

The raised ponds at WWT Slimbridge come alive in the summer with aquatic creatures including water boat men, pond skaters, snails, bloodworms and fish.

These activities are included in the normal admission charge and free for members. To find out more about summer activities visit www.wwt.org.uk/slimbridge

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