taketwo took a dip in the new digital pond and embarked on a Pond Safari, both of which were official opened on the 19th July 2010. To celebrate their 10th anniversary, the WWT London Wetland Centre along with Thames Water launched a new high-tech version of a village pond with an underwater camera and a digital pond.
The new high-tech Pond Zone was unveiled by marine conservationist, zoologist and presenter of BBC’s Coast and The One Show; Miranda Krestovnikoff. We managed to have a chat with Miranda who explained that by using a number of fun-packed features these new exhibits demonstrate to visitors why wetlands are so important and how we can help to protect them.
The exciting new interactive area includes a Pond Safari, which gives the visitors the chance to experience pond life up close by operating an under-water camera, which they control themselves. Everything can be viewed using this device, from the flash of a perch as he flies by, to a dragonfly hunting overhead or a water vole’s toes paddling on the water above.
The latest technology is also being used in a new Digital Pond that features a photo-realistic interactive floor depicting a number of different types of wetland and exciting exercise to educate people. Our very own Jack Payne had a go at some of the interactive games that kids and adults will enjoy. These new exhibits are not only fun for anyone but are very educational too and urge people to protect the world we live in to preserve the beauty of nature.
Located at Queen Elizabeth’s Walk in Barnes, the WWT London Wetland Centre was first founded in 1946 by the naturalist and artist, the late; Peter Scott. The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) is the only UK charity with a national network of nine specialist wetland visitor centres. With over 60 years experience of wetland conservation, the WWT is committed to the protection of wetlands and all that depend on them for survival.
The purpose of the WWT London Wetland Centre is to try and create a network of healthy productive wetlands, where a rich variety of wildlife can live and breed safely. The interactive experiences and pathways round the centre are designed to ensure that people’s lives are enriched by learning about and being close to nature. This is a great day out for anyone who loves the great outdoors and with the new high tech interactive experience they have its fun for the whole family. It costs £9.95 to enter; however you only pay for one when you taketwo with the taketwo 2 for 1 London voucher and guidebook.
WWT London Wetland Centre, Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes, London SW13 9WT
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