Discover wetlands this Summer from mini-beast hunting, den building to pond dipping and storytelling
A summer full of activities lies ahead at WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre. Everyday throughout the summer we have something on offer from pond dipping to storytelling, mini-beast hunting to den building, talks, walks plus show and tell activities. For the month of July details are highlighted below:
Mini-beast hunting – Mon 22, Wed 31 July
Fancy your very own wildlife safari? Well there’s no need to head off to the savannas of Africa or the jungles of South America to get a flavour of the wilderness, when we can offer a safari with a difference on your doorstep. Join us and discover the miniature world of the woodland understory. A world every bit as dangerous and exciting, and with a guide on hand you’ll learn who eats whom to survive, where to find certain species and why they live as they do. Sessions last one hour and run from 11am-12pm and 2pm-3pm.
Walk and talk - Tues 23, Tues 30 July
Did you know that the ancient Romans used geese as their very own intruder alarms? Or that the ancient Celts believed that the souls of the dead entered the bodies of swans? How about the ancient Egyptians who believed that the chaos goose the ‘Great Cackler’ laid the sun daily in the sky? Discover the facts from the fiction and come along for our 30 minute introductory talk on the biggest collection of ducks, geese, and swans on this island. Sessions last 30 minutes each and run from 11am-12pm and 2pm-3pm.
Pond dipping - Wed 24 July
Some people are fortunate enough to have a pond in their garden while others may know where to find a local pond. But sadly most of us will struggle, as publicly accessible ponds in our countryside and towns are disappearing right across the UK and Ireland at an alarming rate. So why not join us at our very own wildlife pond zone haven at WWT Castle Espie and enjoy some pond dipping for what lies beneath. We guarantee you’ll be hooked once you’ve caught your first aquatic wildlife using our special equipment. Sessions last one hour and run from 11am-12pm and 2pm-3pm.
Den building - Thurs 25 July
Recapturing your childhood is the aim of this fun activity. If you never had the opportunity to build one as a child - well now’s your chance. Bring your kids or just yourself for that matter and build some hideaways in our woodland. Then take the simple skills you’ll pick up and take them away with you. A walk in your local woods will never be quite the same again. Sessions last one hour and run from 11am-12pm and 2pm-3pm.
Show and tell events - Sat 27, Sun 28 July
A mini museum of oddities and bits and bobs, each with a fascinating story to impart, and with a friendly member of staff on hand well explain the what, why, where, and how of your chosen item. Both the natural and human history of WWT Castle Espie is brought to life through this fun and interactive show and tell. Sessions last one hour and run from 11am-12pm and 2pm-3pm.
Storytelling - Fri 26, Mon 29 July
The Wind in the Willows, by Kenneth Grahame, is still considered to be one of the best books every written for children, parents, and grandparents alike. The gentle, amusing, and sometimes moving stories of Mole, Rat, Badger, and Toad of Toad Hall have been esteemed as classics since their publication in 1908.
So as a celebration of all things wet and winsome, bring the family along and enjoy selective readings over six days by our resident storyteller. Sessions last 30 minutes each and run from 11am-12pm and 2pm-3pm.
Robin Hood in the Wood - Sat 3 & Sun 4 August
Join the world’s most famous outlaw – Robin Hood. Come dressed up as one of his merry men/ladies for a weekend of medieval merriment. Includes archery, falconry, medieval demonstrations, craft games woodland trails, face painting, BBQ and lots more. 11am - 4pm
All activities are included in cost of admission and free to WWT members.
