Slimbridge

[geezer1]

Hiya
Has anyone ever been to Slimbridge, the place where there's lots of geese etc?
My kids, in the last year have really gotten into this bird hobby and they want me to take them there as part of their xmas presents.
Is it any good? and will the kids see kingfishers during the year. The one child is mad on them.
Also,are there lots of wild birds there that don't live in water i.e blackbirds,finches,tits etc
All replies would be much appreciated. It does make a change to see kids showing an interest in nature as opposed to can i have,i want this,where does the modem fit.

[Ukwildlifeo]

Pressld2 should have gone there today so may have some good info for you.

[solus]

Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) - Latest Sightings

And that's just the wild stuff, seen from the hides, now.

There is also a huge "collection" area where you can see (and hand-feed many) ducks and geese from all over the World, which is great for young children as they don't have to sit patiently in a hide looking at more distant birds. The Slimbridge website has lots of useful information, you can get there via the above link.

There are feeding stations for wild passerines and many also scavenge the ducks' food from the enclosures. Kingfishers are possible but never guaranteed and perhaps best looked for from the appropriately-named Kingfisher Hide in spring, especially if they choose to nest in the bank opposite. Winter is best for the wild ducks, geese and swans and the evening feed on the Rushy Pen is great to see - from a nice cosy viewing room with big glass windows and a sound link to the Warden's commentary from outside as he feeds the birds (mostly wild ones).

Yes - it IS good, very good! Wrap up warm, make a day of it (good cafe there too) and the kids should have a great time.

[RobinP]

I haven't been for a while but the Nene geese are great fun, always wanting food. The flamingo house pongs a bit though!

[aeshna5]

It is a great place with plenty to keep youngsters occupied. A good mix of wild + captive birds (+ a few mammals).

[Dae]

It's a superb place, and as Aeshna said, plenty to keep interested young kids occupied. Loads to see and plenty of places to walk to - it's brilliant!

[hank]

Highly recommended! Make a day of it - you can get fed there and there's a gift/bookshop.
The kids will love the Nene geese !

[pammosley]

Another thumbs up from me There are usually birds to see on the feeders & an altogether fun day out. In the summer the Canadian Canoes are great fun as well

[basquesteve]

Here is a recommendation from the the Pyrenees on the France /Spanish frontier yes its a great site especially in winter I met Peter Scott a number of times as a young boy In the warmer months go also to the Butterfly centre at Berkley Castle and Hock Cliff for rhaetic/triassic teeth and bones (Watch the tide) I miss my memorable days out there, over 35 years ago

[Alan Livsey]

Slimbridge is a cracking wetland centre, especially this time of year with the winter migrants. I saw my first Bewick swans and Tree Sparrows here a few years ago.
Take the kids they'll love it, it's well worth a visit.

Al.