Family Favourites:

This February Half Term, WWT Slimbridge are inviting families to go mad for mud with their Mudfest, running from Saturday 15th to Sunday 23rd February. It's an unmissable week of muddy adventures with all activities included in your admission ticket, or free for WWT members.

Whip up a treat (just not one you can eat) in the mud kitchen. Craft a safe and sturdy mud nest or embrace the mess by throwing mud at the target in a mudslinging contest. Scoop it, aim it, sling it – and score points for hitting the target. Then put on your wellies, limber up and see how far you can puddle jump! Rain or shine, splosh and squelch your way through puddles of all shapes and sizes.

Little girl with muddy hands at WWT Slimbridge Mudfest

Of course, no visit to WWT Slimbridge is complete without a stop at Welly Boot Land. This water-filled play area is a paradise for kids, with features like lily pad trampolines, log tunnels, climbing trees, streams - perfect for dam building, and a giant basket swing. Make sure to pack your waterproofs and let the little ones splash to their heart's content. Don’t forget to bring a towel!

Father and daughter playing in a pond at Welly Boot Land in WWT Slimbridge

Wild Winter Wildlife:

Winter at WWT Slimbridge is a haven for wildlife lovers, with up to 30,000 wild wintering ducks, geese, and swans feeding and roosting on the reserve. Star species include the endangered Bewick’s swans, which migrate all the way from Arctic Russia to the wetland reserve every year. Each swan has a unique bill pattern – much like a human’s fingerprint, and so every Bewick’s swan is individually named. Why not look out for ‘Winkey’ this winter, one of the oldest Bewick’s swans, aged at around 28!

For a closer look at these captivating birds and the winter wildlife spectacle, head to the Peng Observatory at 4pm for the daily Wild Bird Feeds, where the Reserve Team share insights about these fascinating birds, and the importance of wetlands, during a commentated feed on the Rushy Lake.

Bewisck Swans in the water at WWT Slimbridge

Talks, Tours, and Unique Encounters:

No two visits to WWT Slimbridge are the same, thanks to its ever-changing programme of talks and tours. Here’s what you can look forward to:

  • Toad Hall Talks: Perfect for those looking to learn more about watery wonders from all over the world. From axolotls and golden mantellas, to poisonous frogs, there will be an amphibian to fascinate everyone.
  • Scott House Tours: Step back in time and explore the history of WWT Slimbridge and its iconic founder, Sir Peter Scott. Don’t miss the breathtaking view of the Rushy Lake from Scott’s studio window. These tours are free with admission to the centre but must be booked in advance.

Golden Mantella frog at WWT Slimbridge

For those ready to embrace the outdoors, there’s even more to discover:

  • Witness the adorable Asian short-clawed otters during daily feeds.
  • Watch birds in flight during a Living Wetland Theatre demonstration, featuring the cheeky pink-backed pelican, ‘Sprout’ and curious crowned crane, ‘Nzuri’.
  • Experience the historical Duck Decoy demonstration on Saturdays throughout February, showcasing the fascinating practice of catching wild ducks for health checks, with the assistance of a trained dog.

Otters at WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre

Plan Your Visit

Visit England Gold Accolade winners, WWT Slimbridge, are open every day of the year except Christmas Day. There is a restaurant located on site to fuel your adventure, plus two kiosks, which are open during busy periods. Don’t forget to explore the Gift Shop and pick up a bag of grain to feed the feathered friends.

The grounds are wheelchair and buggy friendly with level access and hard surfaced pathways throughout. Wheelchairs and mobility scooters are available for hire and there’s a fully equipped Changing Places Toilet on site.

Whether you’re looking for a family outing or a wetland wellbeing retreat into nature; grab your wellies, pack your waterproofs, and get ready to stomp, squelch, and splash your way to the wetlands!

For more information visit: https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/slimbridge