WWT London events for 2011
Saturday 19 - Sunday 20 February
Reptiles undercover!
10am - 4pm
Uncover the secret world of reptiles at the London Wetland Centre this half term. All weekend there will be snakes, hissing cockroaches, giant millipedes, turtles, lizards and many more for you to meet - and some you can even hold - so that you can learn more about these distant cousins of the reptiles that live here at London Wetland Centre. 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 indoors so you can enjoy your day out even if it's raining! The big stars of the indoor 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.
Crocodile Encounters shows are on Sunday only, at 12:45pm, 1:45pm and 2:45pm. Timed tickets will be available on the day. These are free - although normal entrance charges to the Centre apply. 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.
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, you can expect individual attention and tuition. Please bring your own camera (although it doesn't need to be state of the art!). 10am - 4pm with time for lunch (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.
Saturday 5 February Wildlife walk for members
1pm
Our monthly wildlife walks for members are not just a great chance to hear from one of our experts and spot seasonal wildlife - you'll also meet other WWT members! A great time to visit for a walk as our expert warden can point out the over-wintering birds in their striking winter plumage such as teal and wigeon. You might also be lucky and see one of the five elusive bitterns we have spending the winter on our reserve. Please bring binoculars if you have them. WWT members-only walk. £2. Booking essential: please call 020 8409 4400.
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. At this time of year the lakes are full of hundreds of over-wintering birds in their beautiful winter plumage. You might also be lucky and see one of the five elusive bitterns we have spending the winter on our reserve. Participants should bring their own binoculars/telescope where possible. Adults and children over 11 years. The course is followed by breakfast in the café. Maximum ten places. £20pp. Price does not include admission to the centre. Booking essential: please call 020 8409 4400.
Saturday 12 - Sunday 13 February
Love Birds: Posh bird or ‘cheep' date?
1.30pm - 4.30pm, Theatre
London Wetland Centre is the perfect spot for a romantic walk amongst beautiful scenery. This year, we're also giving you the chance to make something that you can share with your garden birds as well as the special person in your life. Try something a bit different and impress your bird with a posh date: decorate your own bird box to take home. £12.99, includes all materials. Or, in these cash-strapped times, come on a 'cheep' date and use recycled materials to make a bird feeder (£2.00 suggested donation). A personalised bird house would make a perfect gift for your Valentine (or for anyone, really!). Come along and decorate your own bird box together to take home; watch love blossom as the feathered friends in your garden pair up and raise a family. Or build a feeder to help the birds get through the winter - the way to a man's heart may be through his stomach and it's a trick that works for birds too! Watch the birds flock to your garden to feast on seeds and fat balls. Meet in the theatre foyer. Costs vary depending on material used.
Saturday 19 - Sunday 20 February
Reptiles undercover!
10am - 4pm
Uncover the secret world of reptiles at the London Wetland Centre this half term. All weekend there will be snakes, hissing cockroaches, giant millipedes, turtles, lizards and many more for you to meet - and some you can even hold - so that you can learn more about these distant cousins of the reptiles that live here at London Wetland Centre. 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 indoors so you can enjoy your day out even if it's raining! The big stars of the indoor 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. Crocodile Encounters shows are on Sunday only, at 12:45pm, 1:45pm and 2:45pm. Timed tickets will be available on the day. These are free - although normal entrance charges to the Centre apply. 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.
Saturday 19 - Sunday 27 February
February half term
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.
Sunday 27 February
Digiscoping
10am - 11.30am
Find out how to get amazing, close-up images of wildlife by combining your camera with a telescope! Our digiscoping session includes an introductory talk, followed by the chance to try your hand at getting some breath-takingly close photos of wildlife. The digiscoping sessions will take place in a sheltered setting with spectacular views over the main lake where, at this time of year, lapwings and various wintering duck species such as shoveler will be within range. Learn how to get the focus right and pick up some handy tips. Some equipment will be available, but if you have your own telescope and camera do bring them along. Also, bring along your own SD cards or memory sticks if you'd like to save your images. Limited places. £10 per person. Price does not include admission to the Centre. Booking is essential: please call 020 8409 4400.
March
Saturday 5 March
Wildlife walk for members
1pm
Our monthly wildlife walks for members are not just a great chance to hear from one of our experts and spot seasonal wildlife - you'll also meet other WWT members! A great time to visit for a walk as our expert warden can point out the over-wintering birds in their striking winter plumage such as teal and wigeon. You might also be lucky and see one of the five elusive bitterns we have spending the winter on our reserve. Please bring binoculars if you have them. WWT members-only walk. £2. Booking essential: please call 020 8409 4400.
World Wetlands Weekend: wetland wildlife talks In the latest of a series of fascinating wildlife talks we're hosting a "World Wetlands Weekend", looking at wildlife that relies on wetland habitats. Three talks over the weekend of Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 March will look at the world's biggest wetland, the world's rarest duck and many other endangered birds and animals that make wetlands their home.
Saturday 5 March
Race against time - how we saved the world's rarest duck from extinction
12 noon - 1pm
In 2009, WWT undertook an emergency expedition to save possibly the world's rarest bird, the Madagascar pochard, from extinction. There are around 20 birds left in the wild, on just one small lake in the remote north of Madagascar. Along with the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, the Peregrine Fund and the government of Madagascar, WWT has established a "safety net" population. The aim is now to breed them in captivity, restore the species' native wetlands, and reintroduce birds to the wild. Peter Cranswick, WWT's Head of Species Recovery, will be talking about the trials and tribulations of this incredible conservation project. This talk is free with admission to the Centre, and there's no need to book.
Sunday 6 March
Scottish wildlife and wetland conservation
12 noon - 1pm
Adrian Davis has managed National Nature Reserves in Scotland, including the Eden Estuary Local Nature Reserve, important for its winter wildfowl and waders. Now an ecological consultant and a widlife guide, he has special knowledge of the Scottish peatlands including Caithness and Sutherlands wilderness areas the home of rare species such as red and black throated diver. He's currently involved in the "Wildcat Haven" project in the Ardnamurchan peninsula. Adrian will be talking about Scottish wetland habitats and the birds and mammals - such as otters - which rely on them. This talk is free with admission to the Centre, and there's no need to book.
Sunday 6 March
Pantanal and other adventures
2.30pm - 3.30pm
The Pantanal lies mainly in Brazil and is the world's largest wetland, covering an area that is approximately the size of England and Wales combined! This ecosystem is home to an astonishing array of flora and fauna including over a thousand bird species, 300 mammals and 480 reptiles. Thanks to the region's open floodplains, it is possible to see some of South Americas most elusive creatures including tapirs, giant anteaters and jaguars. Over the course of three trips to the region Matt and Will Burrard-Lucas have been able to explore many different parts of the Pantanal. In their talk they will explain what makes this ecosystem so unique and will introduce you to some of the incredible animal species that they have been able to photograph. They'll also touch upon the photographic techniques that we employed to take some of their more innovative shots. Time permitting, they will finish by talking about one or two other projects. This talk is free with admission to the Centre, and there's no need to book.
About Matt and Will Matt and Will Burrard-Lucas are brothers who use teamwork to capture striking images of wildlife. Their unusual images taken using a remote control camera, "Beetlecam", and shots of a pink hippo, featured in the press last year and their talks at London Wetland Centre are always popular.
Sunday 6 March
Introduction to Birdwatching
9.30am -11.00am
This practical introductory course will help you identify different birds and to understand more about them. An expert warden will guide you around the wildlife reserve. The course will focus on birds currently on site, their plumage, calls and behaviour. You'll get tips on how to watch birds including how to behave, what to listen out for, and the differences between key species.
Bird highlights
At this time of year lapwings will be scraping out their nests on the main island lakes, and great crested grebes will begin their impressive courtship displays around the reserve. Numbers of wintering ducks such as teal are still relatively high, and other species to look out for include woodcock, common snipe, pintail, and lesser and mealy redpolls. Practical details and how to book
9.30am -11.00am. The walk lasts for an hour and a half, followed by breakfast in our café. £20. Price includes breakfast. Price does not include admission to the centre. Booking is essential; call 020 8409 4400. Maximum 10 people. Bring your own binoculars/telescope where possible.
Saturday 26 - Sunday 27 March
WWT Festival of gardening
Get ready for spring with our green gardening talks, walks and demonstrations! Join us for WWT's Festival of Gardening here at London Wetland Centre. In the creation of London Wetland Centre over 300,000 water plants and 27,000 trees were planted. Much of our planting is designed to attract insects, which in turn feed birds, amphibians, reptiles, and the significant number of bats which hunt over the reserve on summer evenings. During the Festival of Gardening we are holding talks, walks and demonstrations where you can meet a wide range of guest gardening experts and get the answers to all those tricky gardening questions you have been longing to ask someone about! Plus learn how you can make a difference for wildlife and the environment with your own garden. Some of our walks and talks take place in our sustainable gardens include the amazing new RBC Rain garden, with its streams, flower meadow, cascading pools and green roof pavilion.
Saturday 26 - Sunday 27 March
Pond planting
11am - 12 noon
This demonstration is all about native plants for a natural pond! As well as being attractive garden features ponds can be a real help to wildlife providing homes for insects, nurseries for amphibians and drinking water for birds. Our own Kew Gardens trained plant expert, Alwyn Craven, will talk you through the construction and planting of your pond with handy tips on what, when and how to plant. Alwyn's demonstration will be in the RBC Rain garden where you'll also get plenty of planting ideas and inspiration for the best ways to use water in your garden. There are limited places available for this special demonstration so please book in advance - there's no charge. Call 020 8409 4400 to book.
Saturday 26 - Sunday 27 March
Gardening walk with a warden
12.30pm - 1.30pm
Led by our gardening expert Alwyn Craven this gardener's tour of London Wetland Centre begins in our stunning RBC Rain Garden. Designed to demonstrate sustainable water use the garden features a green-roofed pavilion and a cascade of pools which catch any water running off the roof. The tour will take in the highlights of the garden before moving on to our other specially planted areas: a log garden where lizards bask and feed and a nectar-rich garden for bees, butterflies and other insects. There's also our bog garden which proved popular with newts and dragonflies last year. As well as showing you the sights and explaining the theories behind our gardens Alwyn will also equip you with plenty of wildlife gardening ideas to take home and try out.
Saturday 26 March
Gardening for wildlife
2.30pm - 3.30pm
A garden without wildlife, says Alan Titchmarsh, is like a kiss without a squeeze. Bringing wildlife into a garden benefits both the gardener and the creatures visiting it. In this session our gardening expert Alwyn Craven will show you how you can easily provide homes and food for wildlife while still enjoying a beautiful garden. You could build a hotel for insects, plant a flowerbed for bees and butterflies, make a shelter for frogs and toads or find new ways to feed the birds all year round. Take away some great ideas for bringing your garden to life this spring.
Saturday 26 - Sunday 27 March, Saturday 2 - Sunday 3 April
Clever composting
4pm - 4.30pm
Don't waste a single potato peeling! Nearly all of the waste produced at London Wetland Centre is recycled and we'd love to share some recycling tips with you. Come along to this special talk to find out how compost heaps work. Composting is an eco-friendly, money-saving garden tradition and compost heaps are wonderful things. They're great for people because they provide fantastically fertile soil to grow plants and vegetables in. They're brilliant for wildlife as small creatures see them as a warm refuge, rich in nutrients. As well as being a really good way for us to recycle kitchen waste composting also allows you to see nature's own "recycling system" at work!
Sunday 27 March
Ask the gardeners
2.30pm - 3.30pm
As part of WWT's Festival of gardening, come along to Ask the Gardeners. Put your green gardening questions to our panel of experts including Dr Nigel Dunnett, lecturer in the landscape department of University of Sheffield and creator of the RBC Rain Garden at London Wetland Centre; Channel 4's The Landscape Man, Matthew Wilson, and Anne Gatti, columnist for The English Garden magazine. This is your chance to get answers to your questions from some of the UK's leading gardeners. £6pp. Booking essential: please call 020 8409 4400.
April
Saturday 2 - Sunday 3 April
WWT Festival of gardening
See March. Saturday 2 - Sunday 3 April
Clever composting
4pm - 4.30pm
Don't waste a single potato peeling! Nearly all of the waste produced at London Wetland Centre is recycled and we'd love to share some recycling tips with you. Come along to this special talk to find out how compost heaps work. Composting is an eco-friendly, money-saving garden tradition and compost heaps are wonderful things. They're great for people because they provide fantastically fertile soil to grow plants and vegetables in. They're brilliant for wildlife as small creatures see them as a warm refuge, rich in nutrients. As well as being a really good way for us to recycle kitchen waste composting also allows you to see nature's own "recycling system" at work!
Saturday 2 April
Wildlife walk for members
1pm
Our monthly wildlife walks for members are not just a great chance to hear from one of our experts and spot seasonal wildlife - you'll also meet other WWT members! At the beginning of May we can expect to see little ringed plovers, which regularly nest on the reserve. Many more summer migrants also arrive, for example chiffchaff, blackcap, willow warbler, reed warbler, sedge warbler, garden warbler, lesser whitethroat, whitethroat, house martin and swallow. Butterflies and dragonflies will be feeding - perhaps even the rare hairy dragonfly, which ‘oviposited' (laid eggs) here for the first time in 2010. Please bring binoculars if you have them. WWT members-only walk. £2. Booking essential: please call 020 8409 4400.
Saturday 2 - Monday 25 April
Easter
Follow the progress of our real-life Easter eggs! During the holidays you’ll be able to see them growing inside their shells and, when they've hatched, watch them taking their first swim in their very own pool. Our wardens will be on hand to explain how the ducklings have developed. This time of year the Wetland Centre is alive with wild ducklings waddling after their mothers and paddling about in the ponds.
Sunday 3 April
Tree walk
2.30pm, Courtyard
Although many small plants are only just beginning to appear, there is one reliable group of large plants to be spotted around the reserve at this time of year: trees! Learn how to identify common species by their shape, structure and bark. From fences, floors and furniture to cricket bats, and crates, we have relied on our trees and their products for centuries. Alder, for example, is good for charcoal, and the soles of clogs! Our expert will also explain how materials from some of these trees have traditionally been used, and their value to people and wildlife. Limited places - please call 020 8409 4400 to book your place. £2 suggested donation on the day.
Sunday 3 April
10am
Migration and wader walk
10am, Wader Scrape hide April is an exciting month at London Wetland Centre - this is the time to watch out for returning summer migrants. Our migration and wader walk will tour some of the Centre's birding hotspots to see what is around. Sand martins should already be preparing to nest in the man-made sand martin nest bank and the first wheatears will be making regular appearances on the grazing marsh. We'll also be looking out for the return of the warblers: willow, sedge, grasshopper and garden, plus blackcaps, whitethroats and lesser whitethroats.
Common terns come back in April to nest on the tern rafts. The new rafts on the main lake last year attracted at least seven breeding pairs of terns, with a number of chicks successfully raised. We also expect to see the first house martins, swifts and yellow wagtails in April. The wagtails, along with the wheatears, follow our grazing highland cattle to feed on the insects they attract. Wader watching should also be very rewarding. This time last year we had nine pairs of lapwing on nests and redshank and little ringed plover displaying daily. We also recorded sightings of ringed plover, dunlin, greenshank, oystercatcher, green and common sandpiper. Avocet have bred here in recent years although they haven't successfully raised a brood yet - perhaps they'll be back and have better luck this time! Of course, some birds don't stick around to breed but instead use London Wetland Centre as a refuelling point. This is the time to look out for ring ouzel, migrating to more northerly parts of the UK. And who knows - maybe we'll have a repeat hoopoe sighting (our first was in April 2010)! This walk, with one of our expert wardens will take about one hour. There's no need to book, and the walk is included in the admissions price.
Friday 8 April
Introduction to 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, you can expect individual attention and tuition. Please bring your own camera (although it doesn't need to be state of the art!). 10am - 4pm with time for lunch (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 10 April and Saturday 16 April
Introduction to birdsong
10am - 11.30am
London Wetland Centre is a marvellous location for birdwatching and, at this time of year, for "bird listening" too! As songbirds declare their territories and attempt to attract a mate they're often hidden away in the dense foliage of trees or reedbeds. So getting to know them by the sounds they make is very handy whatever your level of interest in birds and wildlife. In this one and a half hour session you'll learn how to identify birds through song, guided by one of our experts through useful tips, notes and fieldwork. We can't predict exactly which birds will be around on the day, but you're likely to hear a number of garden bird species such as blackbirds and robins, as well as wetland specialities like Cetti's warbler and lapwing. 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.
May Sunday 1 May
Dawn Chorus
5am and 5.15am
This is a unique opportunity to enjoy our wonderful wildlife reserve before daybreak as we celebrate international dawn chorus day. Everyone, from people with a passing interest in wildlife to keen birders, can enjoy listening to the birds sing as the sun rises over the reedbeds, lakes and ponds. Book your tickets now for one of our guided tours, at 5.00am and 5.15am. The walks will take you out on to the reserve as the sun comes up. Our expert guides will take you around the reserve to discover what is around, and help you identify the birds by their song. We can't guarantee exactly which birds will be singing on the day, but you're likely to hear calls and birdsong from a range of species from Cetti's warblers to lapwings! At the end of the walk enjoy a bacon roll (or vegetarian option) or cereal before you head off out again for a day of self-guided birdwatching. In May we'd expect to see nesting lapwings, sand martins, redshank, little ringed plovers, and pochard. Last year, Cetti's warblers bred on site for the first time and a very rare visitor to the UK, a Pacific golden plover, delighted visitors when it stopped off on the main lake islands. Further May highlights in 2010 included hobby, buzzard, red kite, peregrine, Arctic tern, and green, common and wood sandpipers. Gates open at 4.30am but only ticket holders will be admitted. Please bring your own binoculars and wrap up warm. £20.00 per person (plus admission to the centre), includes the guided walk, tea/coffee, bacon (or vegetarian) roll or cereal. Limited tickets available. Booking is essential - call 020 8409 4400.
Saturday 7 May
Wildlife walk for members
1pm
Our monthly wildlife walks for members are not just a great chance to hear from one of our experts and spot seasonal wildlife - you'll also meet other WWT members! At the beginning of May we can expect to see little ringed plovers, which regularly nest on the reserve. Butterflies and dragonflies will be feeding - perhaps even the rare hairy dragonfly, which ‘oviposited' (laid eggs) here for the first time in 2010. Please bring binoculars if you have them. WWT members-only walk. £2. Booking essential: please call 020 8409 4400.
Saturday 14 May
Introduction to 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, you can expect individual attention and tuition. Please bring your own camera (although it doesn't need to be state of the art!). 10am - 4pm with time for lunch (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.
Saturday 14 May
Introduction to birdsong
10am - 11.30am
London Wetland Centre is a marvellous location for birdwatching and, at this time of year, for "bird listening" too! As songbirds declare their territories and attempt to attract a mate they're often hidden away in the dense foliage of trees or reedbeds. So getting to know them by the sounds they make is very handy whatever your level of interest in birds and wildlife. In this one and a half hour session you'll learn how to identify birds through song, guided by one of our experts through useful tips, notes and fieldwork. We can't predict exactly which birds will be around on the day, but you're likely to hear a number of garden bird species such as blackbirds and robins, as well as wetland specialities like Cetti's warbler and lapwing. 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.
Saturday 28 May - Sunday 5 June
Animal encounters
Enjoy a wildlife themed half term here at London Wetland Centre! We have invited otters, birds of prey, bats, hedgehogs and amphibians along for you to see them up close and to learn more about their habitats and behaviour. This is a rare opportunity for you to meet face-to-face some of the secret stars that live on our wildlife reserve. Most of these creatures are shy and elusive in the wild so this is a fantastic opportunity to see them up close. Even if we have a typical English 'summer' you can still come along and enjoy the animals as most activities can be moved indoors. Each day brings different animal demonstrations to the centre, from 10.30am:
- otters; meet everybody's favourite wetland animal and watch them play! (Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 May)
- hedgehogs; a chance to meet these elusive animals face to face (Monday 30 May)
- amphibians and reptiles; meet these shy creatures and learn more about their habitats (Wednesday 1 and Thursday 2 June)
- birds of prey; see these gorgeous birds close up. Some lucky visitors even get the chance to hold them (Friday 3 to Sunday 5 June)
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. 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.
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.
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 Birdwatching with an expert 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.
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