New Discovery Hide will offer visitors ‘chilled-out’ birdwatching
An exciting attraction that is set to inspire a whole new audience of wildlife lovers opens its doors at WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre on Father’s Day (June 16).
The South Lake Discovery Hide has been designed with families and beginner wildlife enthusiasts in mind and includes modern decor, lots of information and all the equipment needed to easily spot birds.
The concept of a Discovery Hide came to life after research conducted at Wildfowl & Wetland Trust Centres including WWT Slimbridge revealed that many visitors, particularly families and adults on social days out, were keen to learn more about wildlife but felt that traditional hides were not designed for their needs.
The new hide will be airy, bright and relaxed and encourages discussion and sharing of information enabling beginners to learn in a supportive and fun environment.
It also has binoculars and a telescope and information panel boards which can be passed around featuring the top 10 ‘easy spots’ so visitors don’t need to come equipped for the hobby.
The hide has an area with large picture windows and a section with the slot windows commonly seen in other hides so visitors can get used to using the more traditional hides too.
A similar hide was opened at London Wetland Centre earlier this year and is proving hugely popular.
Veronica Chrisp, Centre Manager, said: “Our new Discovery Hide will be the perfect introduction to the joys of watching wildlife for many visitors.
“It will be a very comfortable, chilled-out environment so will really allow families and beginners to relax and have fun while they pick up the basics.
“WWT is always looking for ways of ensuring our visitors can easily enjoy watching wildlife so we can continue to help shape and inspire the next generation of conservationists.”
Visitors will be able to access the hide from 1pm on Father’s Day, when there will be staff on hand to give further help identifying wildlife.
The work on the hide was part funded by donations. The largest of these (£15,000) was by the Gloucestershire Environmental Trust with landfill tax contributions donated by Cory Environmental.
The Friends of WWT Slimbridge donated £5,000 from the late Martin C. Cook, £2,500 was donated in memory of the late Brunon Zakrzewski, the Peter Storrs Trust donated £2,000 and The N Smith Charitable Settlement gave £500. We are very grateful that their support has made the work possible.
