Win a Romantic Nature Date this February
Visit the lovebirds at Arundel Wetland Centre in February to win a boat ride, lunch and wine.
In February our hearts and minds turn to gifts to express our love. Will it be flowers, perfume, or chocolates? Why not take your partner on a romantic boat ride for two, surrounded by the sights of nature? Visit WWT Arundel Wetland Centre from Feb 1-14 and enter the “I LOVE Arundel Wetland Centre” contest to win an exclusive Wetlands Discovery Boat Safari for two, lunch with wine and a goody bag. Write down, in 50 words or less what you love about your wetlands centre to win.
There are plenty of lovebirds to see in February at Arundel Wetlands Centre. It is breeding season for the 5 pairs of rare nene geese on the reserve. “The nene goslings begin hatching in February,” says centre manager Olivia Iles, “Nothing warms the heart more than the sight of these fluffy grey babies.”
Fingers are crossed for a new swan couple on the reserve this February. A male black-necked swan was brought to the reserve last autumn as a partner for a female already in the collection. The swans were given their own pond to get to know each other slowly, without distractions from other wildfowl. “The signs are good that they have bonded,” says reserve warden Paul Stevens, “They swim close together a lot and he is very protective of her." Black-necked swans nest build and breed in February with the cygnets hatching in March or April.
Other natural ideas for you and your lovebird on the reserve this February include:
- Take a Walk on the Wild Side - Take a walk through the beautiful SSSI reedbed boardwalk and maybe steal a kiss at the secluded Sussex Screen. Enjoy quality time with your partner, whilst saving wetlands - the most rapidly declining ecosystem in the world.
- Learn quirky love facts: Pick up one of the lover’s walk leaflets for a mass of fun facts revolving around courtship and mating rituals of wetland plants and animals. Who’s the lustiest British bird? The noisiest? – Also pheromones, boxing hares, snails and love darts.
- Visit the gift shop for ideas for your nature lover - anything from bird adoption, art, bird-box love nests, clothing and keepsakes.
The “I Love Arundel Wetland Centre” contest begins Feb 1 and closes on Valentine’s Day. The winner can redeem their romantic date prize from Feb 20 through March 30, 2012.
