EVENTS & NEWS

Why Slimbridge is world-famous for its collection of geese and duck. Just looking at them sounds naff, but actually there is an astonishing range of shapes and colours, and it’s fun to watch them. In the winter, large numbers of wildfowl are easy to see on the Dumbles (the grazing marshes). Many wild birds fly in to be fed barley at 1630. They can be watched at very close range from a hide with a running commentary from a warden on what is happening. These include Bewick’s Swans, which breed in northern Siberia, and which have been the subject of a famous research programme; individual birds can be recognised by the pattern of yellow on the bill and their annual reappearance and family fortunes are closely followed. On Saturdays, there is usually a demonstration of duck-catching and ringing using a specially trained dog in the Duck Decoy; this is well worthwhile. There is also a Tropical House (great on cold winter days) and a collection of wildlife art for sale. And a shop.

When Nothing to stop you visiting at any time of year but the wild geese winter from November to February. Little kids like looking at the newly fledged ducklings etc. in the spring (so I am told).

Where On the Severn estuary about 30 miles (45 – 60 minutes) north of Bristol.

How to get there Up the M5, come off at Junction 14. North up the A38 for about 8 miles. A well-marked turning west goes through Slimbridge village (which is quite pretty) and the Wildfowl Trust is about 2-3 miles along at the end. SO723048 I would think that it’s difficult to get to without your own car.

Cost: £6.50, I think, last winter; quite a bit but worthwhile for a full day, which the place certainly deserves.

AOAC visits Usually annual when I get round to organising it. Good views of White-fronted Geese (breed in Siberia), Bewick’s Swans and ~10 species of (wild) duck.

Other information: Reasonable café serves wine. Contact: David Murdoch damurdoch”@”hotmail.com