Slimbridge Hides: Winter Special
February 7, 2027 @ 09:30 - 13:30
Leader: Dot Jones [TBC]
Meet: WWT Slimbridge car park at 09:30, opening time
Venue: WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Bowditch, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire GL2 7BT
About the day
Our annual winter visit to Slimbridge, on our doorstep. We’ll head straight out to the hides and towers that overlook the Rushy Pen, South Lake, the Tack Piece and the Dumbles saltmarsh, as far as the Severn.
February is still peak season for the wild winter flocks, and with so many hides there’s plenty of shelter if the weather turns.
What we might see
Very likely: white-fronted goose, wigeon, teal, pintail, shoveler, gadwall, pochard, tufted duck, shelduck, lapwing, black-tailed godwit, dunlin, redshank, curlew, ruff, little egret, grey heron, buzzard, peregrine
Good chance: Bewick’s swan (numbers start to drop in February), golden plover, snipe, spotted redshank, avocet, water rail, kingfisher, marsh harrier, great white egret, crane, Cetti’s warbler, chiffchaff
Possible: jack snipe, merlin, short-eared owl, bittern, little stint, Mediterranean gull, glossy ibis
Cost and booking
WWT members get in free. Non-members pay standard entry: adult £19.75, concession (65+) £17.65, booked online the day before, or more on the day. Organisation and car sharing will be arranged through the group’s WhatsApp channels.
Parking
There’s free parking at WWT Slimbridge.
Facilities
The centre is open 09:30 to 17:00 (last entry 16:00). There’s a café, toilets and a shop, and the paths to most hides are accessible.
Practical information
Bring binoculars and a telescope, as many of the birds are distant from the towers. Wear warm layers, as the hides can be cold. You can bring a packed lunch or use the café.
If the trip has to change
Cancellations or weather changes will be shared on the group’s WhatsApp channels.
Further reading
WWT Slimbridge: plan your visit
WWT Slimbridge: latest sightings