Coach Trip: WWT Slimbridge

Founded by Sir Peter Scott, Slimbridge Wetland Centre remains one of the UK’s most famous wetland reserves. In early December, vast flocks of Wigeon and Teal fill the scrapes, joined by smaller numbers of Pintail and Shoveler. White-fronted Geese graze the fields, while Bewick’s Swans return from Arctic Russia, often showing well from the hides. Peregrines and Marsh Harriers are regular overhead, Cranes are now a special highlight in the Severn Vale, and the wetlands hold flocks of Lapwing, alongside Curlew and elusive Water Rail. There is always the chance of a rarity among the wild swans or geese.

A highlight of winter visits is the daily swan feed, when Bewick’s Swans fly in at dusk to join the assembled wildfowl — a magical experience of sound and movement against the fading light.

• WWT Member – Free
• Adult Non-Member – £18.95 (advance online booking recommended for quicker entry and 10% discount)

• Visitor centre: toilets, café, shop
• Bird hides

• Coaches depart from Stop 40B, Victoria Embankment, 08:00 sharp
• Arrive by 07:50 to board and stow your gear
• Nearest Tube: Embankment
• Outbound journey includes a 20-min service stop; no stop on return
• Depart reserve at 16:30

• Clothes for all weathers
• Binoculars (and scope if you have one)
• Packed lunch if you wish to join the trip leaders for lunch in one of the hides

• See highlights in our trip report from a recent visit
• Explore more on the Slimbridge Wetland Centre website

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The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity in England and Wales no. 207076 and in Scotland no. SC037654.

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