WWT London events for 2010
Activities at the LONDON WETLAND CENTRE
Every day
Free 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.
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) price includes admission into the centre.
Weekends and school holidays
Childrens 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.
January
Until 3 January
Children's winter holiday activities
Daily children's activities to keep the little ones educated and entertained throughout the Christmas season. Check the website for more details.
10 and 23 January
Introduction to bird watching
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. 9.30am -11.30am. £20. Booking is essential; call 020 8409 4400, maximum 10 people. Price does not include admission to the centre.
February
2 February
World Wetlands Day
Visit the London Wetland Centre on this international day set aside to celebrate wetlands and all they do for us.
Sat 13 & Sun 14 February
Animal Magic weekend
Start off the February half term by meeting some friendly farm animals from Miller’s Ark Animals. Don't miss the popular animal demonstrations, including rabbit and guinea pig handling and pony grooming. 12 noon - 4pm (in the courtyard).
Sat 13 - Sun 21 February
February half term - daily children's activities to keep children busy throughout the half term. Check the website for more details (wwt.org.uk/london).
7 and 27 February
Introduction to bird watching
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. 9.30am -11.30am. £20. Booking is essential; call 020 8409 4400, maximum 10 people. Price does not include admission to the centre.
March
7 and 20 March
Introduction to bird watching
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. 9.30am -11.30am. £20. Booking is essential; call 020 8409 4400, maximum 10 people. Price does not include admission to the centre.
13 and 21 March
Walk with a Warden: 2pm
Tour the grounds for an hour with one of the centre's experts and find out about seasonal birds, migrations, plants and other interesting information about the centre.
14 March
Mothering Sunday Carvery
Treat your mum to a memorable Mothers’ Day with a delicious three course lunch at the centre's spectacular Water's Edge Room overlooking the reserve. Booking is essential, call 020 8409 4400 to book your table.
April
2 - 18 April
Easter school holidays - daily children's activities to keep children busy throughout the half term. Check the website for more details (wwt.org.uk/london).
3 - 18 April
Easter Egg Watch
Join an Egg Watch viewing and watch duck eggs develop in the centre’s incubator. Follow the progress of the eggs with an expert warden, have a look inside the shells by special egg candling techniques and learn about the development of ducklings. Visitors can come back to see the chicks hatch and take their first steps. 12noon in the Gallery (above the Gift Shop).
6 and 21 April
Walk with a Warden: 2pm
Tour the grounds for an hour with one of the centre’s experts and find out about seasonal birds, migrations, plants and other interesting information about the centre.
7 and 30 April
Identifying birds through song
Learn how to identify birds through song – a practical course including useful tips, notes and fieldwork. By the end of the course you should be able to identify ten key species. £10 per person, price does not include admission to centre. Booking is essential, please phone 0208 409 4400. Course begins at 10am - 11.30am, meet in the courtyard.
May
2 May
Dawn Chorus
A chance to appreciate the reserve at its best as we celebrate international dawn chorus day. Gates open at 4am with full cooked breakfast at 7.30am. For those who arrive by 4.45am there will be the chance to take part in guided tours with one of our experts to help you with your bird identification, £22. Price does not include admission to the centre and booking is essential. Please phone 020 8409 4400.
3 and 31 May Bank Holiday Wildlife Talk
Join one of the centre's wardens for these special bank holiday Wildlife Talks at 12pm. Meet in the courtyard, for these 20 minute talks.
4 and 8 May
Identifying birds through song
Learn how to identify birds through song - a practical course including useful tips, notes and fieldwork. By the end of the course you should be able to identify ten key species. £10 per person. Price does not include admission into the centre. Booking is essential, please phone 0208 409 4400. Course begins at 10am - 11.30am, meet in the courtyard.
9 May
Walk with a Warden: 2pm
Tour the grounds for an hour with one of the centre's experts and find out about seasonal birds, migrations, plants and other interesting information about the centre.
22 May
Introduction to wildlife photography
Led by Iain Green, author and photographer of 'Wild London', this is a practical guide to wildlife photography. Includes an introductory talk on the basics of composition, approach and equipment, followed by a practical session on the reserve looking at flora and fauna. Due to small course numbers, individual tuition and attention will be paid to each student.
10am - 4pm with time for lunch (participants can either bring their own lunch or have lunch in the centre's Water's Edge Cafe). Cost: £40 per person, maximum number of people is 10.
27 May (this Big Batty Walk is being held before Late Night Opening starts)
Big Batty Walks
London Wetland Centre is one of the best bat sites in London. Our Bat Walks consist of a talk by one of our bat experts before heading out to the wild reserve, complete with bat detector, to see which species are swooping around, plus a visit to the NEW Berkeley Bat House. Times vary with sunset. Adults and children over 8 years. Children should be accompanied by an adult. £10, price includes admission into the centre.
24 - 28 May
World Wetlands breeding programme talks, 10.30am
Join the centre’s wardens as they explain the centre’s work in conservation, the collection birds and WWT’s work to increase rare bird species numbers throughout the world. 10.30am meet in the courtyard.
26 May
London Wetland Centre's 10 Year Anniversary
WWT London Wetland Centre celebrates 10 years in London. Join centre staff and volunteers for a slice of cake and share memories in the café.
29 May - 6 June
London Wetland Centre's 10 Year Anniversary celebrations
Celebrate WWT London Wetland Centre's 10 Year Anniversary throughout the May half term. Daily activities centred on the centre’s achievements and biodiversity in London since 2000. Free walks and tours with the centre’s expert wardens as well as themed events and an exploration of the biodiversity of the site since it opened.
29 May - 6 June
May Half Term - daily children's activities to keep children busy throughout the half term. Check the website for more details (wwt.org.uk/london).
31 May - 4 June
World Wetlands breeding programme talks, 10.30am
Join the centre’s wardens as they explain the centre’s work in conservation, the collection birds and WWT’s work to increase rare bird species numbers throughout the world. 10.30am meet in the courtyard.
June
12 June
Introduction to wildlife photography
Led by Iain Green, author and photographer of 'Wild London', this is a practical guide to wildlife photography. Includes an introductory talk on the basics of composition, approach and equipment, followed by a practical session on the reserve looking at flora and fauna. Due to small course numbers, individual tuition and attention will be paid to each student.
10am - 4pm with time for lunch (participants can either bring their own lunch or have lunch in the centre's Water's Edge Cafe). Cost: £40 per person, maximum number of people is 10.
13 June
Walk with a Warden: 2pm
Tour the grounds for an hour with one of the centre’s experts and find out about seasonal birds, migrations, plants and other interesting information about the centre.
July
15, 22, 29 July
Big Batty Walks
Big Batty Walks resume in July to take advantage of an earlier dusk for peak bat viewing. As one of the best bat sites in London, our Big Batty Walks consist of a talk by one of our bat experts before heading out to the wild reserve, complete with bat detector, to see which species are swooping around. Times vary with sunset. Adults and children over 8 years. Children should be accompanied by an adult. £10, price includes admission into the centre.
24 July - 5 September
School Holidays
Daily children's activities and arts and crafts to keep children busy and learning through the summer holidays.
August
BBQs are back! (Rain or shine)
Every Thursday night in August the centre will host evening BBQs in the Water’s Edge Café. Enjoy a fun, relaxed atmosphere overlooking the lakes and wild reserve. Make the most of the sunshine with an outdoor BBQ or, if we have a typical British summer, watch the falling rain outside from the comfort of our bright, airy Water's Edge Room. The BBQs feature a variety of meats, fish or veggie options, prepared with flair by our talented chefs right on the patio.
Seating is limited so booking is essential – call 0208 409 4400 to make your reservation.
1 - 31 August
School Holidays
Daily children’s activities and arts and crafts to keep children busy and learning through the summer holidays.
5, 12, 19, 26 August
Big Batty Walks
Bat viewing in London at its peak! As one of the best bat sites in London, our Big Batty Walks consist of a talk by one of our bat experts before heading out to the wild reserve, complete with bat detector, to see which species are swooping around. Times vary with sunset. Adults and children over 8 years. Children should be accompanied by an adult. £10, price includes admission into the centre.
30 August Bank Holiday Wildlife Talk
Join one of the centre’s wardens for these special bank holiday Wildlife Talks at 12pm. Meet in the courtyard, for these 20 minute talks.
September
2, 9, 16 September
Big Batty Walks
Bat viewing in London at its peak! As one of the best bat sites in London, our Big Batty Walks consist of a talk by one of our bat experts before heading out to the wild reserve, complete with bat detector, to see which species are swooping around. Times vary with sunset. Adults and children over 8 years. Children should be accompanied by an adult. £10, price includes admission into the centre.
25 September
Introduction to wildlife photography
Led by Iain Green, author and photographer of 'Wild London', this is a practical guide to wildlife photography. Includes an introductory talk on the basics of composition, approach and equipment, followed by a practical session on the reserve looking at flora and fauna. Due to small course numbers, individual tuition and attention will be paid to each student.
10am - 4pm with time for lunch (participants can either bring their own lunch or have lunch in the centre's Water's Edge Cafe). Cost: £40 per person, maximum number of people is 10.
October
9 and 24 October
Introduction to wildlife photography
Led by Iain Green, author and photographer of 'Wild London', this is a practical guide to wildlife photography. Includes an introductory talk on the basics of composition, approach and equipment, followed by a practical session on the reserve looking at flora and fauna. Due to small course numbers, individual tuition and attention will be paid to each student.
10am - 4pm with time for lunch (participants can either bring their own lunch or have lunch in the centre's Water's Edge Cafe). Cost: £40 per person, maximum number of people is 10.
18 - 22 October and 25 - 29 October
Crane Talks 10.30am
Meet a crane expert, ask questions and learn about WWT's breeding programme for Eurasian and Demoiselle cranes. Meet in the courtyard and walk to the exhibits.
23 - 31 October
October half term children's activities
Come along and join in the fun activities during the autumn season, enjoy exploring the wetlands with wealth of autumnal sights, smells and colours! Pond dipping, themed arts and crafts sessions and identifying creepy crawlies are just some of the activities that children will love during the holiday period, plus a Halloween party on the 31st.
November
6 November
Wildlife Walk for Members
Come and see what the season has to offer with one of our experts. Highlights in autumn may include swans, fungi and rock pipits. 1m. Available to WWT members only. £2. Booking is essential; call 020 8409 4400.
December
Christmas shopping weekend
Celebrate the festive season this weekend with plenty of jolly activities. Bring the children and grandchildren for a visit with Santa in his grotto, nestled within the trees of the Northern Forest exhibit. £5 for a goodie bag and to meet Father Christmas. The Gift Shop will be brimming with unique eco Christmas gifts and eco-friendly decoration ideas.
8 December
Carols by Candlelight
Enjoy a night in the courtyard for our annual Christmas carol celebration. Join our staff and volunteers for a celebration of the festive season, with carols, candles and plenty of Christmas spirit, plus a special visit from Father Christmas! Free entry after 6pm, starts at 6.45pm. Hot food and drinks available, including mulled wine and mince pies. Proceeds from candle sales will be split between Churches Together in Barnes and WWT London Wetland Centre.
17 - 20 December
Christmas Pantomime
Come along to the centre to enjoy the popular annual pantomime. Performances 12.30pm, and 3pm each day (additional performances on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20th at 10am). Book early to join in the family fun with the 'wetlands-themed' pantomime in the Theatre. £4; suitable for ages 5 and up. Booking is essential, call 020 8409 4400 to reserve your seat.
17 - 31 December
School Holidays
Daily children's activities and arts and crafts to keep children busy and learning through the holidays.
27 and 28 December Bank Holiday Wildlife Talk
Join one of the centre’s wardens for these special bank holiday Wildlife Talks at 12pm. Meet in the courtyard, for these 20 minute talks.
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