Slimbridge
Wildfowl and
Wetlands Centre
Gloucestershire
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Location Guide |
The headquarters of Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust. Sir Peter Scott's vision
became a reality at Slimbridge in 1946, when he realised how many thousands of
geese depended on the shores of the Severn Estuary. Its visitor centre overlooks
325 hectares of nationally and
internationally protected wetlands, this world famous site is an important
wintering area for migrating water birds such as Whooper and Bewick's Swans and houses WWT's
species conservation programme. From Sloane Tower at the visitor centre you can
get a 360 degree view of Slimbridge and the Severn Estuary.
A year round programme of walks, art, events,
workshops, talks and wildlife encounters are available.
A discovery centre allows you to explore
wildlife close up including Toad Hall where you get to see close up and in some
cases handle some of the colourful species around the world with the help of
knowledgeable guides. There is also a cinema and art gallery. The Waters Edge
Restaurant serves really good hot meals daily and it overlooks the Caribbean
Flamingos.
Other things you can do:-
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Visit Crane School where cranes are being
reared and find out more about them.
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A
Canoe Safari to see wildlife from a new perspective - up close. Open every
weekend from 11am-3pm (Nov-Mar) and daily through the summer from
10.30am-4.30pm.
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Meet the Flamingos, Slimbrdige is the only
place in the UK where you can see all 6 species.
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From autumn witness the spectacle of the
daily wild bird fees as the Bewicks Swans return after their long journey from
Arctic Russia.
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Floodlit bird fees from autumn to spring, particularly good as those that take
place during the winter months when the Bewick's Swans are in residence.
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Toad
Hall Demo where you can get up close and meet the frogs and other amphibians
in Toad Hall.
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Tropical House Talk where you can find out more about the tropical regions
around the world and their impact on wildlife.
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Take a Land Rover Safari
into the depths of the reserve on selected days
from spring to autumn.
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Guided Walks
This is a very large site, you won't get around all of it in a day, there
are a very large number of hides looking out over a lot of different areas of
water. The captive collection covers every continent, and there are a number of
flocks of flamingos. Over the winter many thousands of swans, geese and other large
birds visit. Throughout the year there is always a lot to photograph,
although the wild birds are often some way off, so you will need a long
telephoto lens to get all of them. To give you a flavour, as well as the
regular visitors over a three day period the following new birds showed up,
Ruff, Purple Heron, Black tailed Godwit, Eurasian hobby, peregrine falcon,
ringed plover, and Marsh Harrier.
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| Further information Grid
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Location: |
Slimbridge WWT, Gloucestershire |
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Ceremonial County: |
Gloucestershire |
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Grid Reference: |
SO722047 |
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Map Link: |
Multimap
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Aerial photo: |
Aerial Photo
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Route(s):
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Best Times to Visit: |
Any
time of year, different times will see different wildlife visitors. More
activities for children available during the summer months and school
holidays. |
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E-mail: |
info.slimbridge@wwt.org.uk |
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Website: |
http://www.wwt.org.uk/centre/122/slimbridge.html
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Other useful
websites: |
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Nearby Locations: |
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Other Relevant pages: |
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Planning Grid
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Location: |
Slimbridge WWT, Gloucestershire |
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Grid Reference: |
SO722047 |
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Getting there: |
Located between Bristol and Gloucester off the
A38. Follow the signs from M5 (junction 13 or 14). Follow the brown tourist
signs which take you through the village and over the Sharpness Canal,
follow the road to the end. |
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Access: |
Access to the centre is up a ramp to the main
entrance and inside there are ramps to get you back down to reserve level.
Marked level pathways take you round the site, allowing you to get access to
numerous hides. |
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Parking: |
Free large car park. |
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Facilities: |
Cafe (serves hot food between 11am and 3pm),
gift shop and art gallery. Picnic areas. In Focus optics shop stocking
binoculars, telescopes and everything you need to watch wildlife. 15 Hides.
Cinema showing wildlife inspired documentaries and films. |
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Things To Do,
See and Photograph: |
Wetland wildlife, butterflies, wild flowers, buildings, reed beds and many
other activities. |
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What to take: |
Telescope, binoculars, long lenses for when in hides, polarizer may be
useful on sunny days when doing wider views. During winter months wrap up
warm most of the site is outdoors. |
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Nature highlights: |
Waders,
Raptors, Wildfowl, Water Voles, butterflies, dragonflies and wild flowers.
Feeding Bewick's Swans annual migratory birds throughout the Winter period. |
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Address: |
WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre
The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust
Slimbridge
Gloucestershire |
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Postcode: |
GL2
7BT |
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Telephone: |
01453 891900 |
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Opening times: |
Open daily. Summer (April-October) 9.30am to 5.30pm
Winter (November-March) 9.30am-5pm
Closed Christmas Day. |
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Charges: |
Free to WWT Members
Adult £8.75; Child £4.80 (4-16 years); Family
Ticket £24.40.
Concession (Students, Over 65 and unemployed)
£6.75.
Child Under 4 and essential helper/assistant
for disabled visitors FREE. There are also special Group Admission Prices
and Gift Aid prices. |
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Photo Restrictions: |
Commercial and stock photography must be agreed in advance and is subject to
a fee. |
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Other Restrictions: |
Keep to the paths at all times. |
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Special Needs Access: |
For visitors with disabilities there is excellent access throughout the centre,
including 12 of the 15 bird hides, restaurant and toilets. Level access to all areas. Car park has
reserved bays. |
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Special Needs Facilities: |
Disabled toilet in main visitor centre. Free
electric scooter and manual wheelchair available, advance booking
recommended. |
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Children Facilities: |
During weekends and school holidays activities
are put on for the younger visitor. Baby changing facilities. |
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Dogs Allowed: |
Dogs are not allowed in WWT Centres except
guide/trained assistant dogs by prior arrangement. |
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can add to the Further information and Planning Grids or page and any errors that you discover. Before making a long trip to any location it is always
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