Connect with nature this New Year and sign up to one of the many activities London Wetland Centre has on offer for 2018. From birdwatching to reed bed rambling and wildlife photography, there’s something here for all to enjoy while exploring the great outdoors this winter.
Monday 1 January 2018 – Tick and Twitch Walk, 9.45am
A one hour walk with a WWT warden who will help you identify as many of the 180 bird species found at the reserve as possible. Winter is a great time of year to find many birds here, including bittern, common snipe, redwings and fieldfares. In previous years rarities such as bearded tit, waxwing, scaup, and common scoter have also been spotted. The walk will take place whatever the weather, so come wrapped up to keep warm.
£3.00 per person plus paid admission to the Centre.
Saturday 13 January – Winter Wildlife Walk, 9.30am – 11am
A great seasonal wildlife walk with an expert warden. Look out for flocks of over-wintering birds such as teal and wigeon grazing along the grass banks and high numbers of colourful shoveler dabbling on the main lake.  You might even spot other rarities on the reserve such as bearded tits, waxwings or even the elusive bitterns hiding out in the reed beds.  The wardens will also explain more bout how they manage the reserve and habitats for the wetland animals and plants you see.
£20.00 per person, plus admission to the Centre. Includes the guided walk, tea/coffee & breakfast. Please bring your own binoculars/telescope to get the most out of the walk.
Saturday 20 January – Introduction to Wildlife Photography, 10am – 4pm
Take full creative control of your camera on this course with photographer and author Iain Green, who will show you how to achieve fantastic photos.
The day will begin with an illustrated session about understanding your camera and the basics of composition, followed by a practical photography session outside looking at the flora and fauna. Due to small course numbers there will be plenty of time for 1-2-1 tuition.
This course is suitable for users of all types of camera and the content will be tailored accordingly and to the needs of course attendees. Throughout the day Iain will guide you through key camera techniques and photographic skills such as:
· Use shutter speeds to capture action and understand apertures to control the depth of field.
· Achieving correct exposure in different lighting or settings
· Effective composition, to add impact to your images
– Explore focusing options for close-up, movement or portraits.
£60.00 per person, plus paid admission to the Centre.
Sunday 4 February – Winter Bird Watching with a Warden, 9.30am – 11am
This practical session will help you identify different birds currently on site as an expert warden guides you around the wildlife reserve, focusing on birds plumage, calls and behaviour. You’ll get tips on how to watch birds including fieldcraft, what to listen out for and the differences between key species.
WWT London Wetland Centre is a great place to spot bitterns and also the Cetti’s warbler, which, unusually for a warbler, is present all year round. Cetti’s warblers rarely nest in central London but bred here for the first time in 2010. You could also expect to see numerous wintering duck species such as shoveler and gadwall, and other seasonal visitors like fieldfares, redwings, mealy and lesser redpolls and siskins.
The walk lasts for 1 1/2hrs. £10 per person plus admission to the Centre. Bring your own binoculars/telescope where possible.
Saturday 17 February – Members’ Walk: reed bed ramblings, 1pm
Reed beds are the ultimate wetland habitat and normally our of bounds to visitors. Join the reserve warden as he takes you on a 30 minute walk into the reed beds to explain more about their management, the wildlife that they support and how humans have relied on them for thousands of years.
£2 per person. Starting at Headley Hide. The ground may be damp and uneven so please wear suitable shoes.
Booking essential for all activities: please call 020 8409 4400. For more information on these and other events on offer at London Wetland Centre go to https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/london/whats-on/
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