Due to predicted severe weather this weekend, some areas of site will be closed for animal and visitor safety.

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Please note the Estuary Tower lift is currently out of order, we apologise for any inconvenience caused.

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Exciting new developments coming to Slimbridge

Over autumn 2022, you will see some new developments coming to Slimbridge and some building works happening across the grounds.

Over autumn 2022, you will see a few new developments coming to Slimbridge and some building works happening across the grounds.

We work continuously to improve the visitor experience at our site as well as the homes for the animals and we aim to keep disturbance to a minimum.

Your New Welly Boot Land

This autumn and winter, we are excited to be redeveloping Welly Boot Land for you to enjoy. There will be some new play equipment and we are working to improve the surfacing. This will not only improve the look and feel of Welly Boot Land, but will also make the area more accessible for everyone.

Key features include;

  • Brand new play equipment made from sustainable time sources- PEFC certified.
  • Lily pad trampolines, climbing trees, log tunnel and a basket swing
  • Improved accessibility - levelled surfaces and play equipment
  • Water play
  • Wetland themed
  • Learning through play and exploration
  • The surfacing is limiting Astroturf and adding tiger mulch made from recycled forklift tyres and wetpour rubber. Where we are able to, we are using and reusing suitable materials and items within Welly Boot Land.

Dates: Welly Boot Land will be closed from Tuesday 1 November until early 2023 whilst we prepare and build your new play area. We will be updating this page with developments on the project.

FAQ's on the new Welly Boot Land

Changing Places Facility

We are delighted to be installing a new Changing Places - a larger accessible toilet, for severely disabled people. The new facility will be installed autumn/winter 2022 and will be located opposite the Rain Garden. This new facility will include a toilet, bed and a hoist.

This facility has been funded with help from Stroud District Council and WWT.

Dates: Work will commence towards the end of September and beginning of October and the facility will open in December 2022.



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Andean flamingo house

The Andean flamingo house which homes the Andean flamingos, James flamingo and Lesser flamingos will be having a new roof this autumn. The new roof is needed to improve the comfort of our birds and ensure they are kept warm and dry during the winter.

Dates: Roof works start week commencing 19 September.

We hope you enjoy these new experiences and facilities as we continue to improve our visitor centre.

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