Janis P.
Chocolate eggs are nice, but can’t possibly be as intriguing as the real thing! So this Easter skip along to WWT London Wetland Centre to see the duckling displays during which you can follow the progress of real-life Easter eggs.
The “egg-candling” demonstrations are fascinating for children and adults alike – by shining a bright light onto the egg, you can see right through the shell and see how the ducklings are developing. Once the ducklings have hatched, watch them taking their first swim in their very own pool. WWT wardens will be on hand to explain how the ducklings have developed and about their behaviour and habitats.
To keep your own brood amused during the school holidays you can also take part in the family activities at London Wetland Centre. Take a self-guided Easter Egg trail around this beautiful wildlife haven to learn more about courtship displays; make your own fingerprint blossom picture or decorate eggs in the spring craft workshops or, for those with a sense of adventure, join in the scrap challenge.
April is the time when wild ducklings start to hatch. Fat, fluffy mallard ducklings chase after their mother across the ponds in the sunshine and stripey Great Crested Grebe chicks hitch a ride on their parents backs (right).
As warm sunny days become more frequent primroses poke their noses above ground, willow branches are decked in their soft, shiny catkin baubles and the first lizards wake from four months asleep. Other floral highlights at London Wetland Centre are daffodils, marsh marigold, blackthorn, colts foot, blue anemones, sweet violets and common field-speedwell.
The Easter duckling displays and family activities are taking place until Monday, April 25. For full details of events and times see www.wwt.org.uk/london
Click here to read more about the Wetland Centre on ReallyKidFriendly.com
