Dusty Duck invites you to go puddle jumping
This February half term, children of all ages are being encouraged to grab their wellies, get outside and join in Puddle Jumping Championships. The championships are being held across the UK, at the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust’s nine centres.
This year, the WWT’s new children’s character, Dusty Duck, is joining in the fun and helping kids create the biggest, craziest splash possible. Dusty has been designed by the world-famous Aardman studios to help celebrate the WWT’s 70th anniversary, by getting children closer to nature.
Jumps will be judged on enthusiasm, creativity, and most importantly, the height of the splash. The competition is open to all, and there will be plenty of prizes up for grabs.
The championships will take place in the following areas:
North West Puddle Jumping Championships
When: 11th – 19th February 2017, from 2pm
Where: Martin Mere Wetland Centre, Fish Lane, Burscough, Lancashire L40 0TA
£: Admission costs £12.98 for adults, £6.18 for children and £34.50 for a family. It costs 50p to enter the championships
What is it?
There will be practice puddles set up for fun during the morning, and the competition itself will begin at 2pm. There will be other activities including welly shot putt, Whooper swan feeding, wild walks, otter talks, and crafts.
More info: www.wwt.org.uk
East Anglian Puddle Jumping Championships
When: 11th – 19th February 2017
Where: Welney Wetland Centre, Hundred Foot Bank, Welney, Wisbech PE14 9TN
£: Admission costs £8.45 for adults, £4.12 for children and £22.61 for a family
What is it?
Practice pools for jumping will be open from 10am, and the championship will take place from 2pm. In addition to the jumping competitions, there will be hare walks and the chance to make a bird feeder, or watch the swans come in at dusk.
More info: www.wwt.org.uk
Puddle jumping at WWT Slimbridge
South West Puddle Jumping Championships
When: 11th – 19th February 2017
Where: Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Bowditch, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire GL2 7BT
£: Admission costs £13.49 for adults, £7.42 for children and £37.70 for a family
What is it?
Head to Wellyboot Land for the South West Championships, which take place from 2pm. Practice areas will be set up around the reserve, these can be used from 9.30am. Everyone taking part will receive a sticker.
More info: www.wwt.org.uk
London Puddle Jumping Championships
When: 11th – 19th February 2017
Where: London Wetland Centre, Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes, London SW13 9WT
£: Admission costs £13.49 for adults, £7.42 for children and £37.80 for a family
What is it?
The London Championships will take place at 11.30am and 2.30pm. There will be a free prize draw and owl pellet dissection workshops too. Workshops will cost an additional £5.
More info: www.wwt.org.uk
Scottish Puddle Jumping Championships
When: 13th – 22nd February 2017
Where: Caerlaverock Wetland Centre, Eastpark Farm, Caerlaverock, Dumfriesshire DG1 4RS
£: Admission costs £8.45 for adults, £4.10 for children and £22.75 for a family
What is it?
The Scottish Championships will take place from 10am to 1pm, Monday to Wednesday.
More info: www.wwt.org.uk
Northern Ireland Puddle Jumping Championships
When: 17th – 19th February 2017
Where: Castle Espie Wetland Centre, 78 Ballydrain Road, Co Down BT23 6EA
£: Admission costs £8.45 for adults, £4.10 for children and £22.75 for a family
what is it?
Over the weekend, children will compete against each other to see who can produce the biggest splash from their puddle jump. Cool FM will be entertaining the crowds each day, from 12pm to 4pm.
More info: www.wwt.org.uk
North East Puddle Jumping Championships
When: 18th – 26th February 2017
Where: Washington Wetland Centre, Pattinson, Washington, Tyne and Wear NE38 8LE
£: Admission costs £10.40 for adults, £5.25 for children and £28.22 for a family
What is it?
Registration for puddle jumping will take place daily from 2pm, with the competition beginning immediately afterwards, and the winner announced at the end. There will also be crafts taking place daily, from 1pm to 3.30pm.
More info: www.wwt.org.uk
WWT Puddle Jumping Championships (Photo: WWT Nick Brooks)
Welsh Puddle Jumping Championships
When: 18th – 26th February 2017
Where: Llanelli Wetland Centre, Llwynhendy, Llanelli, Carmarthenshire SA14 9SH
£: Admission costs £9.48 for adults, £5.15 for children and £26.52 for a family
What is it?
The main competition will take place at 2pm, in the designated splash zone. There will also be den building, craft workshops and bird watching from the tower.
More info: www.wwt.org.uk
South East Puddle Jump Championships
When: 18th – 26th February 2017
Where: Arundel Wetland Centre, Mill Road, Arundel, West Sussex BN18 9PB
£: Admission costs £12.31 for adults, £6.20 for children and £33.10 for a family
What is it?
The South East Championships will take place at 11.30am, 12pm and 2.30pm each day. There will be a prize each day for a ‘super-splasher’ and the Southeast Puddle Jumping Champion will be chosen at the end of the week.
More info: www.wwt.org.uk