Slimbridge Festival of Birds 2014 prepares for take off
Back again for 2014, wildlife lovers are in for a treat as the WWT Slimbridge Festival of Birds returns in February.
The two-day Festival on February 1 and 2 is held when WWT Slimbridge’s bird numbers are at their peak counts and the reserve is looking its most beautiful.
Nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers alike will have a head start spotting species thanks to Guides in Hides who will be pointing out the highlights on the internationally-renowned wetland reserve. Over both days traditional decoy events will run, demonstrating how a dog can herd up ducks in water so they can be captured. Smaller birds will also be caught for research using mist netting techniques in public demonstrations.
Inside the Centre there will be the chance to shop for wildlife themed goodies, such as bird food, art and optics at a range of stalls.
Highlights include:
WWT’s current conservation projects which will include a live link to the Spoonbill-sandpiper chicks being reared off-site at WWT Slimbridge
Jon Cleave lead man from the chart topping Cornish folk band Fisherman’s Friends is introducing a short film called Black Car home which will be played at the Festival. The film is set next to the Severn and a trained whooper swan plays a significant role. The audience will have a chance to meet the local film makers David Pearson and Elizabeth Morgan (both Oscar shortlisted and BAFTA and Emmy Nominated) and also Lloyd Buck, who worked on Sir David Attenborough’s Flight series and who trained Olive the swan. See the trailer here www.blackcarhome.com
A drop-in swan bill sketching session, where you can learn how our experts record Bewick’s swans patterns using a simple sketch pad and binoculars.
Both days will finish with a commentated Wild Bird Feed at 4pm which is an unforgettable experience for all the family. Visitors can gather in the warm Peng Observatory to see the spectacle of thousands of birds on the Rushy Lake including the rare Bewick’s Swans being fed by a warden.
Dave Paynter, reserve manager, at WWT Slimbridge, said: “Winter at WWT Slimbridge is when our Reserve is at its best so the Festival of Birds gives us a chance to really showcase it. This year we have introduced a really good value weekend ticket so that people can come for both days to catch all of the events on offer.”
The Festival is free for WWT members or a special e-ticket is available for the Festival of Birds online costing £13 an adult (a saving of £8 off the price of two day tickets) – these can be purchased at www.wwt.org.uk/slimbridge
For a full programme of the Festival Click on Festival of Birds programme.pdf
For a more detailed time of events please go to our events page at:
