WWT Arundel makes the natural world accessible to all

Finding a day out that accommodates all the  family’s needs doesn’t have to be a nightmare -  what if we told you there was a way to combine close-up natural encounters with gentle paths, wheelchair access, mother and baby facilities, rest and shade stops and beautiful views?

Well look no further.

WWT Arundel Wetland Centre is an easy, safe place to enjoy the wonders of wetland wildlife. Adults and children can have nose-to-beak encounters with some of the world’s most rare birds, surrounded by stunning scenery. And it’s not just birds – WWT Arundel is famous for its water voles, too!

Spending time near or on water is an essential day-out experience and makes for unforgettable memories – you can adventure on it, gaze at it and marvel at the myriad forms of wildlife that cluster round it – water is never boring!

There is always something to see and do at a WWT Arundel Wetland Centre, 364 days of the year and you’ll find getting about and joining in is easy for everyone. We offer a variety of different experiences – you can choose as much or as little activity as you want. Fully accessible experiences range from Wetland Discover Boat Safari, pond dipping stations and bird hides that guaranteed close-up wildlife encounters. Throughout the year, WWT Arundel Wetland Centre has a programme of indoor and outdoor events which are perfect for nature lovers.

While we can’t guarantee the weather, you’re never far from shelter at WWT Arundel. There is ample free parking, comfortable hides, easy buggy and wheelchair friendly pathways, wheelchairs and walkers available to use (donations welcome), fully stocked cafes (with moveable seating) , gift shops and disabled and parent & baby facilities. Great facilities mean all your needs are catered for, alongside the wild and wonderful experience of being able to envelop yourself in the natural beauty of the wetland environment.

Entry to WWT Arundel  starts at £11.50 per adult, or £30.90 for a family (essential helpers are admitted free of charge and assistance dogs are welcome), which contributes to WWTs vital conservation work in England and all around the world – so by having a great time at our centres, you’re also supporting conservation.

For a full list of specific centre facilities and directions, go to http://www.wwt.org.uk/visit/arundel

TESCO TO RECOGNISE MUMS WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Tesco are asking the public to nominate mums for their Mum of the Year Awards 2014.

The family-friendly supermarket is looking for mums who make a difference in their community and to other people by their work, their passion and by just being a great mum.

The public are asked to send in details of mums who raise money for charity, help in the local area, support their families in difficult times and generally give back to others.

Speaking in her role as Celebrity Ambassador, Denise van Outen said, ”Mums are so important and are our country’s true unsung heroes. There are so many mums across the UK who are inspirational, courageous and selfless and most have no idea how special they are.” 

Winners of the 2013 award included:

Margaret Aspinall from Liverpool was Campaigning Mum of the Year. Margaret lost her son in the Hillsborough tragedy and has spent the last twenty four years campaigning for the truth as part of the Hillsborough Families Support Group.

Anna Kennedy from Uxbridge was the Achieving Mum of the Year. She remortgaged her house to set up a school for autistic children after her two autistic sons were turned away from mainstream and specialist education.

Ann Maxwell from Midlothian was the Charitable Mum of the Year. Ann set up a children’s epilepsy charity after her middle son was diagnosed with Dravet Syndrome, a severe form of epilepsy.  She has raised over £7 million despite suffering from cancer.

Mireille Williams from Bristol was the Community Mum of the Year. Mireille saved her son’s preschool from closure by rallying her local community and turning the school into a viable charitable business, saving seven jobs along the way.

Kate Hardcastle from Huddersfield was the Enterprising Mum of the Year. She created a community group to help lesser-known charities raise awareness and staff in her own company are paid to volunteer one day a week.

Claire Lomas from Melton Mowbray was the Courageous Mum of the Year.  Claire, despite being paralysed from the chest down after a riding accident, spent 16 days walking the London Marathon in a robotic suit and raised over £200,000 for spinal injury charities.

And Melanie C, the Celebrity Mum of the Year 2013, who has global fame and girl power but still finds time to support a host of charities, said "I was so honoured to be awarded Tesco Celebrity Mum of the Year this year, and so incredibly humbled to meet the other amazing mums. It's was a wonderful afternoon and so inspiring to hear everybody's stories. All of us winners have stayed in touch and continued to support each other and our causes. If you know a super special mum who needs to be recognised for the fantastic things she does then nominate her today."

The mums attended a glitzy, star-studded luncheon event at London’s iconic hotel, The Savoy, as part of a three-day trip that also involved quality time with David Cameron at 10 Downing Street.

Nominations for the 2014 awards must be submitted by 11.55pm on Friday 13 September 2013. Winners will again be invited to attend a glamorous celebrity ceremony in London in March next year.  

To nominate someone for an award or for more information on the Tesco Mum of the Year Awards 2014, please visit www.tescomagazine.com 

What a Hullabazoo!

This Saturday, 25^th May there is a great new adventure play area opening at Whipsnade Zoo, Bedfordshire.  I was lucky enough to go and take a sneek peek last Saturday and it was very much worth it! I’ve got two young boys aged 2 and 5 who absolutely loved it!

This is the recent press release from Whipsnade which explains just what it’s all about:

“Little ones will soon be climbing new heights at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo with the launch of Hullabazoo Adventure Play - a brand new, outdoor play area.

Opening on Saturday 25 May, just in time for the half term holidays, Hullabazoo Adventure Play has been specially designed around animal movement, giving youngsters the chance to slither and slide as they run wild and test their agility against one another.

Taking pride of place in the play area will be Whipsnade Heights, made up of six giant towers for children to tackle before they climb cargo nets, clamber over rope bridges and slide down fireman's poles.

Other fantastic features in the Zoo's bespoke play area include a zip wire, monkey bars, balance beams, seesaws and climbing frames. And Whipsnade's youngest visitors haven't been forgotten about either, as they'll have their own dedicated play space with swings, slides, and a roundabout.

Marketing Manager at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, Laura Duffy said: "Whipsnade's brand new play area will be a big adventure for little ones. We hope they'll be inspired by watching our animals at play before exploring the new play equipment as part of a fantastic family day out."

Hullabazoo Adventure Play, located at the heart of the Zoo next to Hullabazoo Indoor Play and the farm, is suitable for children of all ages, and will be open 364 days of the year.”

As for Whipsnade itself, it’s a great family day out! We took our car into the zoo and drove around which the boys thought was amazing! They loved seeing the animals and being able to stop to take a closer look. Along with the Hullabazoo Adventure Play there is also the indoor play area which was another huge hit with my monkeys! Entry to both of the play areas is included in the zoo entry prices and with loads of special events coming up it, it’s well worth a visit!