Let WWT and the art of Sir Quentin Blake inspire an autumn of wetland adventure
Autumn is upon us in all its glory, bringing with it new wildlife, new landscapes and new creative events to enjoy at WWT Washington Wetland Centre.
As the season unfolds, so too does a new Drawn to Water trail, featuring the distinctive drawings of Sir Quentin Blake, influenced by wetlands and nature.
Pull on your boots, pick up a guide and use it to discover wild highlights across our 100-acre site, from quiet spots with breathtaking views to close-up wildlife encounters.
“Visitors will be walking with me, and I like to think of myself walking with them. I shan’t mind if I get my feet wet.”
Quentin Blake
Launching on Saturday 16 September, the trail is the second in a year-long partnership of nature and art between Sir Quentin and the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT).
WWT Washington’s PR & Marketing Executive Leanne McCormella said: “While every season in our wetlands is special, autumn is an ideal time to immerse yourself in the sensory side of nature.
“The crunch of leaves underfoot, the sounds of migrating birds, the ever-changing scenery - Sir Quentin’s instantly recognisable images really embrace that and more.
“The greens of summer will soon transform into a rich riot of golds, oranges and browns and envelop you in their beauty, while autumn’s gentle light lends our diverse mix of habitats and landscapes a magical glow.
“Our visiting species change too, with the arrival of black-tailed godwits, little egret and ruff and an increase in kingfisher sightings.
“This really is a wonderful opportunity to see why autumnal wetlands are so incredible and why they influence so many artists, including Sir Quentin Blake.”
New events to enjoy…
The new season also brings a host of new events designed to unlock your creativity and explore wetland nature through art.
Join artist Steve Pardue for a unique Nature Journalling session on Saturday 7 October (age 14+) or take part in an owl watercolour workshop (above) with artist Amy Brooks on Tuesday 17 October (age 14+).
You can also enjoy a fantastic, fun wildlife learning experience for the whole family with our Eek! Week event at October half-term (Sat 21 Oct till Sun 5 Nov).
Or see our wetlands in a new light with warden-led autumn walks focusing on migrating birds, fungi and much more (dates coming soon here).
New national art competition to enter…
To celebrate the ongoing Drawn to Water partnership, WWT has also launched a national art competition, where artists of all abilities can enter their work to be in with a chance of winning a unique, embossed Quentin Blake wetland print.
Runners-up will receive copies of the Quentin Blake Papers and free entry into a WWT site of their choice.
Using the wonder of WWT wetlands as a theme, entrants are invited to initially submit a photograph of a 2D piece of art – which could be a drawing, illustration, painting or photograph – which will be looked at by a panel of judges from Quentin Blake’s studios and WWT. The competition is open now and closes at noon on December 31 with winners announced in January.
For more information and to enter, visit https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/quentin-blake-drawn-to-water/drawn-to-water-competition/
Before entering, please read the full terms and conditions.
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