London Wetland Centre has announced new ‘Quiet and Calm Pond Dipping’ sessions for 2024 for those with sensory differences to explore the wonders of its ponds in a serene environment.
Taking place every Saturday from now until 31 August, the sensory-friendly exploration sessions will have limited capacity and be scheduled during the quietest part of the day.
During the sessions, visitors will be given a net and invited to join a member of London Wetland Centre’s learning team as they uncover the hidden world of snails, newts, shrimps and more magical wildlife beneath the water’s surface in a calm and supportive setting.
Alexia Hollinshead, General Manager at London Wetland Centre, commented: “London Wetland Centre exists to fulfil founder Peter Scott’s vision of connecting people with nature, so we’re constantly looking for ways to make our sites accessible as possible for everyone.
“This includes expanding our programme to include more events designed specifically for those with different needs, such as Quiet and Calm Pond Dipping.”
As part of its efforts to ensure that nature’s wonders are open to all, London Wetland Centre has also launched British sign language (BSL) tours, hosted by deaf arts practitioner and presenter (See Hear, Sign On) John Wilson and taking place on 20 July.
The BSL tours give hearing-impaired visitors a chance to explore London Wetland Centre’s extensive reserve habitat, whose lakes, pools and gardens are home to a huge variety of wildlife, including kingfishers, sand martins, wading birds and Asian small-clawed otters.
Added to this, London Wetland Centre has teamed up with storyteller Olivia Armstrong to host a pre-opening times interactive storytelling session, specially designed for families with special educational needs and disabilities on 7 September.
As part of the session, Olivia will combine stories, songs and sensory props to celebrate the changing seasons as well as how they are reflected in the plants, birds and animals that call wetlands home. This event will be included in the price of admission or free for WWT members and children under four, but must be pre-booked in advance via WWT London’s website.
Research suggests spending time in nature can positively impact a person’s mental health and wellbeing, but inequality in access is stopping millions from being able to do this.
As well as a growing events programme, London Wetland Centre also features accessible walkways, some step-free hides, wheelchair and mobility scooter hire, and accessible parking spaces and toilets. Assistance dogs are also welcome at the reserve.
