Close encounters of the animal kind at London Wetland Centre
Birds of prey, otters and hedgehogs
Saturday 28 May – Sunday 5 June
A whole host of wonderful animals will be visiting London Wetland Centre during an Animal Encounters week to showcase the astonishing biodiversity of this unique urban wildlife reserve.
The centre is planning to bring visitors face-to-face with the animal ‘stars’ of the British countryside. Different events are planned each day so visitors can meet up-close animals which are sometimes difficult to spot without luck or patience.
Birds of prey will be on show or you can join the Wetland team on a small mammal safari to see the shrews, mice and voles that live out on the reserve. The Amphibian & Reptile Conservation trust will be bringing a range of newts, froglets, toads and slow worms with them and holding talks and displays so you can learn more about these fascinating species. Or perhaps you’d like to visit on the day that the hedgehogs come to the centre? On the first weekend of Animal Encounters week everyone’s favourite aquatic animals – otters - will be visiting the centre.
May is when the centre celebrates its 11th anniversary and since it opened in 2000 the range of wildlife and plants that have made the centre their home has increased dramatically. Sir David Attenborough described the centre as “the ideal model for how humankind and the natural world may live side by side in the 21st century” and Chris Packham, BBC Springwatch presenter, said it is “one of the most important conservation projects of the past century. Its broad range of habitats bring a huge variety of water birds, amphibians and small mammals to the heart of the capital, giving millions of people the opportunity to encounter wildlife up close." Now is the best time to visit to find out why he was right!
This 105 acre wildlife reserve is an oasis in the heart of the city with scenic walkways through the lakes, ponds and meadows which are home to water voles, birds, amphibians, reptiles, insects, butterflies and moths. Over 180 species of wild bird have been recorded on the site, but rare species of bats, plants and insects have also been spotted over the 10 years that the site has been open including Roesel’s bush cricket, Nathusius’ pipistrelle and Leisler’s bats, cattle egret, night heron, Montagu’s harrier, lesser emperor dragonfly and white-spotted bluethroat. Rare plants include Jersey Cudweed, Deptford pink and yellow bartsia.
There are six wildlife viewing hides, a collection of rare and exotic birds, guided walks and talks with expert wardens, plus the Water’s Edge café where you can relax over a coffee or lunch. And for younger visistors there are regular activities such as arts & crafts and storytelling and also adventure play zones where the kids can run free to let off steam! Even if it rains the centre still makes a fabulous day out as many children’s activities can be moved inside.
Check Animal Encounters for details of which events are happening each day.
The week of Animal Encounter events is supported by the City Bridge Trust.
