Exploring our wetlands in the rain

Have a wild adventure whatever the weather

While wet weather can be a little off-putting, it can actually make for a perfect rainy day adventure!

With lots of things to see, smell and listen out for, there's so much to explore in our woodlands and wetlands during a downpour - and you'll probably have much of the outdoor space to yourself!

So if you're planning a visit or are already here and the heavens open, see it as an opportunity to try some of these rainy day activities...

• Watch our cheeky Asian short-clawed otter family as they swim, splash and play. These entertaining animals can regularly be seen enjoying a mooch in the rain before heading to dry out in the warmth of their holt. Our keeper talks are on in all weathers, so drop by and hear more about this otter family at 11.30am and 2.30 every day.
• Damp days provide great conditions for seeing a range of insects. Venture into North Wood or Hollowood and see if you can spot any hard-shelled woodlice (did you know they shed their skin as they grow!?), leggy millipedes, wriggly earthworms or slimy slugs on your travels.
• Our collection birds always entertain, but there's something serene about watching them splash and preen in the rain (Mandarin ducks in Eclipse exhibit re particularly good one to look out for as shown in this great photo by visitor Alistair Cryer)!

• Our reedbed shelter has gorgeous views up towards Penshaw Monument, but there's also lots to hear too. Listening ears on for calling wren, blackbird and siskin in the nearby Hollowood.
• Wader Lake is a great place to hide from the rain, with a choice of waterside hides. Hunker down and enjoy easy views of a range of birds including grey heron, curlew, Eurasian teal and red-listed lapwing.
• Try your hand at photography, looking for ripples in the water and reflections that give your work an edge or even during those heavy downpours, the splashes of rain (like in the wonderful photo below of a juvenile shelduck by Bill Richmond). Don't forget to share these with us please...we'd love to see them!

• Make some natural art - this could be using leaves and sticks to make shapes and patterns or adding leaves to puddles and making them dance. The natural world (and your creativity) is all you need!
• And of course, everyone's favourite rainy day activity...throw on your wellies and see who can do the biggest puddle jump!
• Then warm up with a well-earned brew or tasty hot chocolate from our cafe before you head home.

Happy splashing!

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