New Pond Safari and Digital Pond!
The new pond zone at the Wetlands' exhibits feature interactive games and an underwater camera allowing you to watch fascinating aquatic creatures in their natural habitat.
These hi-tech exhibits are great fun and demonstrate why wetlands are important and how you can help to protect them.
In the pond safari you'll have the chance to see pond life up close using an underwater camera that you can operate yourself!
Who knows what you might spot, from the flash of a perch as he zooms by to a water vole's toes paddling through the water above...
The latest technology is also being used in a stunning new digital pond that features a photo-realistic interactive floor depicting a number of different types of wetland habitats such as ponds, lilies and pools. As you walk around the floor you'll create ripples in the 'water' and will be able to control games including clearing a rubbish filled pool to make a perfect pond for wildlife, and feeding a dragonfly nymph to make him grow into a healthy adult dragonfly!
The new exhibits have been funded by Thames Water.
Events Timetable
Hunting for the Jewel-thrush
12 noon – 1pm
Birdwatcher Chris Gooddie spent a year trying to see every species of pitta – a striking jungle bird also known as the jewel-thrush. He travelled through Thailand, Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Uganda, Zambia and several other countries to track them down. Come and find out how he got on!
Join in a wide range of children's activities and festive fun throughout December and the Christmas holidays:
See below for full details
Wednesday 8 December
Carols by Candlelight
Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 December
Winter wonderland weekend
Bring the family down to London Wetland Centre for the full Christmas experience. To begin your winter wonderland day out come and meet our huggable huskies. Younger children will have the chance to come on a husky sleigh ride. Have your photo taken with one of these cuddly dogs as a special seasonal souvenir.
Of course Christmas wouldn’t be complete without Santa, so bring the children to meet him in his cosy log cabin grotto set among the firs and pine trees. He'll be here throughout the weekend (11am - 12.30pm, 1pm - 4pm). £5, includes goodie bag.
In the shop there's enough choice for you to fill everyone's Christmas stocking this year, with our classic confectionery and plenty of wildlife themed gifts. Tempt your taste buds throughout the weekend with our special Christmas tastings of wonderfully old-fashioned sweets and chocolates.
Saturday 11 – Sunday 12 December, Saturday 18 – Sunday 19 December, Wednesday 22 December – Monday 3 January (except Christmas day)
Festive family fun
Daily children’s activities and arts and crafts to keep children entertained through the holidays.
WWT's founder, Sir Peter Scott, was the son of polar explorer Captain Robert Falcon Scott, "Scott of the Antarctic". Come down to our very own ‘igloo’ to hear some special polar stories. Find out how wildlife (and people) cope in very low temperatures.
Children will be able to create their own beautiful paper snowflakes, and recycle Christmas cards and wrapping paper to make seasonal collages. They'll also be making reindeers, dreamcatchers and Christmassy cobwebs!
There will be pond dipping and a winter bird walk - complete with binoculars and tick sheets to record what you've spotted.
Saturday 18 – Tuesday 21 December
Christmas Pantomime: Vole in the woods
11.30am and 2.30pm each day
Vole gets lost in the woods on his way to visit his friends, then gets involved in a search for a very important book! Book early to join in the family fun with the ‘wildlife-themed’ pantomime in the Theatre. £4; suitable for ages 5 and up. Booking is essential, call 020 8409 4400 to reserve your seat.
Monday 27 and Tuesday 28 December
Bank Holiday Wildlife Talk
12 noon
Throughout the winter large numbers of ducks will be resting and feeding on the lakes, lagoons and flooded grazing marsh. Our expert warden will explain the importance of the site for these birds and help you identify some key species. Meet at the Wader scrape hide for this 20 minute talk.
January
Saturday 1 January
Tick and Twitch Walk
2pm – 3pm
Get your 2011 bird list off to a flying start! During this one hour walk, our expert warden will help you identify as many bird species as possible. This walk is free with admission to the Centre, and there's no need to book. Meet at the Wader scrape hide.
Saturday 15 January
Introduction to Birdwatching
9.30am -11.00am
This practical introductory course will help you identify different birds and understand more about their behaviour. Participants should bring their own binoculars/telescope where possible. Adults and children over 11 years. The course is followed by breakfast in the café. £20. Booking is essential; call 020 8409 4400, maximum 10 people. Price does not include admission to the centre.
February
Saturday 5 February
Winter wildlife photography
10am - 4pm
Led by Iain Green, author and photographer of 'Wild London', this is a practical guide to wildlife photography. The session includes an introductory talk on the basics of composition, approach and equipment, followed by a practical session on the reserve photographing the abundant flora and fauna.
As the group is kept fairly small, with no more than ten taking part, you can expect individual attention and tuition. Please bring your own camera (although it doesn't need to be state of the art!). Bring your own lunch, or eat in the Centre's Water's Edge Café. Cost: £42 per person. These courses are extremely popular so we advise early booking. Please call 020 8409 4400 to book your place.
Sunday 6 February
Introduction to Birdwatching
9.30am -11.00am
This practical introductory course will help you identify different birds and understand more about their behaviour. Participants should bring their own binoculars/telescope where possible. Adults and children over 11 years. The course is followed by breakfast in the café. £20. Booking is essential; call 020 8409 4400, maximum 10 people. Price does not include admission to the centre.
Saturday 19 – Sunday 20 February
Reptiles undercover!
10am – 4pm
Uncover the secret world of reptiles at the London Wetland Centre this half term. There will be snakes, hissing cockroaches, millipedes and lizards for you to meet - and some you can even hold - so that you can learn more about these fascinating creatures. Far from being scary monsters these shy animals often hide away so this is a fantastic opportunity for you to see them up close. And what's more, the display is undercover so you can enjoy your day out even if it's raining!
The big stars of the show will be making a special appearance on Sunday 20 February... Come along to Crocodile Encounters where you'll be able to meet a crocodile and an alligator! Find out about the amazing world of crocodiles and alligators, their behaviour, how they've evolved and adapted, and why many are now under threat.
Throughout half term week there will be a packed programme of children's activities to keep them amused. For instance, join a fun art workshop inspired by London Wetland Centre and our beautiful World Wetlands birds. Their colours and patterns will be used to create leaves on a big tree sculpture.
Regular events
Every day
Guided tours: 11 am & 2 pm
Learn how the centre was created and gain an insight into the sort of wildlife that lives at the centre (free on payment of entry to the centre).
Feed the birds: 3pm
Join a warden as he or she feeds the beautiful and endangered birds in World Wetlands.
Every weekend
12 noon
Walk with a warden
Meet some of the species of wildfowl that WWT has helped to save and learn about its ongoing conservation work.
Monday, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays
Guide in the hide (in the Peacock Tower): 11.00am – 1pm
Join one of WWT’s experienced birdwatchers who will be on hand to point out unusual species and answer any questions you may have.
Tuesdays and Thursdays
Pushbabies: 9.30 am – 10.30 am
Fitness for new mums looking to get back into shape in a fun and sociable environment with a qualified instructor (bring your baby in the buggy).
£6 per session (£4 for members).
Weekends and school holidays
Children’s activities (daily during weekends and school holidays)
Discover the centre’s amazing wildlife and learn weird and wonderful facts with the education team’s regular pond dips, wildlife walks and trails.
First Saturday of every month
Wildlife walk for members: 1pm
Come and see what each season has to offer at the reserve with an expert warden. Available to WWT members only. £2. Booking is essential; call 020 8409 4400.
By appointment
Luxury birdwatching
Looking for a unique present for someone? Fancy improving your own bird watching skills? Then why not book a 1-2-1 session with your own personal bird watching trainer? Packages tailored to your exact requirements, from one hour to full day sessions. First hour costs £45, second hour £25 and any subsequent hours at £20. Call for details.
Children's birthday parties
For children aged 5 years to 12 years. Please call 020 8409 4400 for information.
April 14, 2010