Make a Splash at WWT’s 2020 Puddle Jumping Championships This February Half Term
This February half term, children and adults alike are being encouraged to grab their wellies, get outside and join in puddle jumping championships being held across the UK at WWT’s nine wetland centres, including Slimbridge (Gloucestershire), Martin Mere (Lancashire), London (Barnes) and Castle Espie (Northern Ireland).
At each wetland centre, families and friends will compete against each other to see who can produce the biggest splash from their puddle jump.They will also be judged on their enthusiasm and jumping style. Daily winners will be announced throughout the half term and lucky ‘super-splashers’ will receive fantastic prizes!
New for this year, adults, as well as children, are being encouraged to unleash their inner child and release every day stress by joining in the puddle jumping championships.Also, some centres have added muddy activities such as mud painting and muddy walks to the championships, while others are hosting welly wanging and puddle arts and crafts alongside the main event.Washington and London wetland centres have even incorporated an obstacle course into their Puddle Jumping Championships for that extra challenge!
As well as the main puddle jumping competition arenas, at selected centres there will be practice zones set up around the stunning grounds to help entrants perfect their splashing techniques.
Hannah Clifford from WWT said:
“Puddles are mini wetlands which wildlife use to feed, drink and bathe.We also know that children love nothing more than to splash about in puddles so we thought we’d give them the chance to channel their inner splasher and showcase our mini wetlands by holding our nation-wide WWT puddle jumping championships.
We’ve really perfected the championships this year, with brilliant competition areas, practice puddle zones, lots of additional welly and mud related activities, great prizes and expert judging panels.Grown-ups are even being encouraged to take part.
It’s all a lot of fun and we know that children who love puddles often grow up to be adults that love the outdoors. So through these championships we’re gently nurturing a love that may help protect wetlands and the wildlife that depend on them for years to come.”
To find your nearest wetland centre and join in the fun visit wwt.org.uk/puddles or follow #puddlejumping
