LEGO® workshops worth getting egg-cited about!
Start your Easter holidays in style by taking part in an exclusive LEGO® brick workshop only at WWT Washington Wetland Centre.
A firm favourite for kids and big kids alike, LEGO building brings hours of happiness with a need for concentration and a certain level of dexterity. What better way to put these skills to the test then by taking part in special hour-long workshops created especially for The Wildfowl and Wetland Trust (WWT).
These hour-long workshops start this weekend and are split into 3 exciting activities:
The team challenge: A challenge that is set to test your speed and dexterity, building as many model fish as possible; and if that’s not exciting enough, you’re being timed so there’s no time to dawdle!
The individual activity: Now is your time to shine as you take your solo mission to craft a vehicle – not only does it need to support the weight of your chosen mini-animal, but it must also float in our water tank!
Make and take time: Your chance to relax and enjoy building your very own LEGO brick frog mini-model to take it home with you.
The centre is also offering 2 autism-friendly workshops as part of their commitment to make the site as accessible as possible. These workshops have reduced numbers to help reduce noise levels, while including all of the fun and interactive elements.
Workshops are extremely popular and must be pre-booked online. They form part of the GIANT LEGO® brick animal trail which sees 11 impressive, individually designed LEGO® brick characters in an exciting trail until May bank holiday (1 May). The giant animals - some up to twelve times life size, include kingsize Kate the kingfisher, gigantic Bruce the goose and the impressive Lottie the otter. The trail also features two models never before seen at Washington – a dragonfly and frog, which are sure to leave avid fans in awe of the sheer delicacy and scale.
These magnificent brick models were created by Bright Bricks, the UK’s only certified LEGO professionals, and Tom Poulsom, the famous LEGO brick ‘birdman’. In total, over 1,209 hours were spent building almost 170,000 LEGO bricks to make all 11 models – that’s equal to over 50 solid days and nights of brick building – wow! The latest edition to the group, Fred the frog took 244 hours alone!
Gill Pipes, Washington’s General Manager said, “People love LEGO bricks and people love ducks, so we know people will love LEGO brick ducks! We’re so excited to see these giant models arrive at Washington over Easter and know visitors of all ages will enjoy seeing them surrounded by wildlife. They’re a really fun way to highlight some of the animals WWT helps to protect, such as the iconic nene and our Asian short-clawed otters.
“Our Asian short-clawed otters are, in particular, a success story here at Washington Wetland Centre following the birth of another litter of otter cubs just a couple of weeks ago (16 March 2017).
“Our otters are part of Global species studbook which acts to provide a future for some of the world’s most vulnerable species. This is the third litter for our adult otters Mimi and Musa, which in itself is a success, but Ruby, the first born cub (born in May 2015) has recently moved on to Peak Wildlife Park in Staffordshire to find a mate and start a family of her own, helping protect this fascinating species.
“Through the use of Lego, we’re able to tell this story to our visitors in a new and exciting way, helping get the message of conservation, wetland wildlife and habitats to a whole new audience. An audience that will hopefully be inspired to continue sharing this message to their friends and family.”
There is no extra cost to meet the giant LEGO brick animals at Washington Wetland Centre this Easter; the trail is included in the admission price. Places for the interactive workshops can be pre-booked online at an additional cost of £8.50. To find out more about the giant LEGO brick animals and other brick activities please visit wwt.org.uk/legobrickanimals or follow #LEGOBrickAnimals.
The fun doesn’t stop at LEGO brick animals at Washington Wetland Centre, we also have some great events coming this summer including our Downy Duckling Days (May half term) and Dusty’s Wildlife Rangers (Summer holidays).
