Fall for nature’s spectacle at WWT wetland centres this autumn
Just as wetlands offer sanctuary to thousands of animals over the colder months, they also make the perfect place to safely escape the everyday and appreciate one of nature’s greatest shows - autumn.
For our wetlands, it is a spectacular time of year. The first of our migratory birds arrive, having flown vast distances in search of food and warmth to shelter and our reserves transform into an impressive patchwork of rich textures and dazzling colour displays, as leaves turn amber, fruits and berries emerge from the hedgerows and fairy tale fungus sprout underfoot.
In fact, autumn is perhaps the nicest time of year to explore wetlands whatever the weather. They provide an abundance of space and fresh air for nature lovers to enjoy endless skies and epic sunsets. Comfortable hides, situated throughout all our reserves, ensure visitors can protect themselves from the elements without missing out on amazing seasonal scenes.
WWT’s nine wetland centres across the UK each have their own unique features to ensure there is something for everyone wherever they live. From 40,000 pink footed geese touching down at WWT Martin Mere for the winter - a spectacle that doesn’t happen anywhere else in the world – to nearly the entire population of Svalbard barnacle geese arriving at WWT Caerlaverock in their thousands, there are few better ways to unwind and refocus.
Hannah Clifford from WWT said:
“Our WWT wetland centres are ideal places to immerse yourself in nature and there is no better time to see what the wetlands in your area have to offer than autumn.
“Our wetlands are safe havens where people can explore the outdoors, focus some energy inwards and look after themselves. It’s been a difficult period, but our wetlands promise to provide an escape from the everyday and a discovery of peace and tranquillity.”
All WWT wetland centres have the ‘We’re Good to Go’ stamp of approval, a UK-wide industry standard which has been developed in partnership with Visit England, Tourism Northern Ireland, Visit Scotland and Visit Wales. The accreditation means visitors can rest assured that WWT is doing everything to ensure they operate within the relevant government and public health guidance for managing coronavirus risk. These measures include managing numbers on site, ensuring social distancing and thorough cleaning regimes.
To safely manage numbers on site, all visitors are all asked to book online (whether a WWT member or not).To find your nearest WWT wetland centre and to book tickets, visit wwt.org.uk/visit
WWT has nine wetland centres at Arundel (Hampshire), Caerlaverock ( Dumfries, Scotland), Castle Espie (County Down, Northern Ireland), Llanelli (Carmarthenshire, Wales), London (at Barnes), Martin Mere (Lancashire), Slimbridge (Gloucestershire), Washington (Tyne & Wear) and Welney (Norfolk).
For more info visit: wwt.org.uk
