We'll be watching BBC Autumnwatch at Caerlaverock, will you?
Staff and volunteers from WWT Welney are excited that fellow site, WWT Caerlaverock, will welcome the BBC Autumnwatch team to Scotland, from 2-5 November 2015. Many of the autumnal wonders showcased on the programme can also be seen at Welney, so budding Chris Packhams and Michaela Strachans can experience their very own real life version of Autunmwatch by visiting the centre.
One of the focuses of Autumnwatch 2015 will be the sensational sight of hundreds of thousands of over-wintering barnacle geese visiting WWT Caerlaverock. Families can experience similar amazing spectacles at WWT Welney where over 10,000 swans will start filling the skies from October onwards. Whooper swans escaping chilly Iceland and Bewick’s swans flying even further from Arctic Russia will fill the skies of the Fens along with thousands of wading birds and tens of thousands of ducks.
Migration isn’t the only autumnal showstopper to be featured on the programme; other natural wonders that appear at this time of year are also likely to be shown, such as birds of prey. Barn owls are a Fenland speciality with brilliant views of these birds hunting along the roadsides and ditches for visitors to see as they travel through this area. The wetland habitat also provides opportunities for marsh harriers and the glut of winter birds will no doubt attract a peregrine falcon or two. All these are currently at WWT Welney, so come along and see for yourselves what may have been shown on last night’s Autumnwatch.
Visitors to Welney can also get up close and learn more about stunning autumnal wildlife at a series of fun events which are included admission and FREE for WWT members. These include:
- Commentated wild swan feeds, join us at different times of the day to experience close-up views of the birds and learn about their migrations, details here http://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/welney/experience/swan-feeds/
- Become a swan researcher this October half term, Thurs 22 October – Sun 1 November, grab a swan researcher backpack and have a go at wildlife challenges on the reserve, details here http://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/welney/whats-on/2015/10/22/become-a-swan-researcher/
- Swan’s awake, Sat 24, Sun 25 & Sat 31 October, Sun 1, Sat 28 & Sun 29 November, join the warden before as dawn breaks across the reserve and watch the swans taking to the skies, times vary details here http://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/welney/experience/swans-awake/
- Swans and stars, Wed 28 October & Sat 21 November, 6.30-8.30pm, spot stars in the vast skies of the Fens whilst listening to the sound of the swans settling down to roost, details here http://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/welney/experience/swans-and-stars/
BBC Autumnwatch presenter Chris Packham, a keen advocate of WWT, said:
“All the WWT centres are great because there is something for everyone and you’re assured of a great day out. In fact if you’ve got kids it’s a crime to go without them as kids really get engaged with what’s around them.
There’s always the potential for that engagement whether spotting or hearing the plop of a water vole or getting your palms tickled by a Nene. WWT centres are so inspiring, but they provide a family thrill too”
Centre Manager, Leigh Marshall, summed it all up by saying:
“We’re so pleased that BBC’s Autumnwatch is being broadcast from a WWT wetland centre. We want our visitors to be able to share in some of the Autumnwatch magic by witnessing first hand here at WWT Welney, wildlife and spectacles featured on the programme.”
People can keep up to date with all the latest news from BBC Autumnwatch and information on autumn at our centres by following our blog at www.wwt.org.uk/autumnwatch . Also follow us on social media, including live tweets from the Autunmwatch set at WWT Caerlaverock @WWTworldwide.
