Our summer so far has been ideal for ducks. If you can't beat them, join them, says Mervyn Hancock (and don't forget your wellies). Pictures: Chas Breton

WE'VE had more than our fair share of rain this summer – which is just fine for the huge family of wading birds at Slimbridge in Gloucestershire.

And now, someone has had the bright idea of embracing Britain's inclement summers to get visitors even wetter at Welly Boot Land.

Right next to the area reserved for baby cranes at the famous bird sanctuary, the wardens have created a special area for youngsters where they can have a splash, paddle, and get as wet as they like – while at the same time getting an insight into the lives and habitats of birds from around the world. It's all thanks to a man-made stream which runs into a pool. Along the way, there's even a water roundabout, a replica of those used in Africa to pump water from the earth and fill essential boreholes – the harder you push, the more water you get.

Marketing manager Jools Mackin said: “As they say up North, it's a chance to have a real good old splodge.”

Wellington boots are advised, of course, but if you forget them, just roll up your trousers and join in the fun – but don't forget to take a change of clothes, whatever the weather.

Welly Boot Land opens today with a spectacular children's musical called Amoeba to Zebra, telling the story of the development of all kinds of life on the planet, from micro-organisms to mankind, with lots of music and fabulous costumes.

Slimbridge Wetland Centre performs a very serious role in providing either a permanent home or temporary refuge for birds and other wildlife from around the world, but it is also designed to combine education with loads of fun. During the school holidays, the Unloved Animal Show will give everyone the chance to get close to some of the creatures you just might love to hate; those that are creepy, misunderstood or just downright awful. How about taking a trip to Toad Hall, for instance, and joining the amphibian experts to meet frogs, newts, salamanders and, of course, Mr Toad himself?

You can follow the frog trails, armed with a net, and try to find some of the creatures lurking in the water.

Hissing cockroaches, spiders, scor- pions, millipedes, lizards and snakes which you can touch all feature in Animal Antic's sessions, on Saturdays, August 2 and 23.

Spend an evening searching for bats – these beautiful and rare creatures have had a lot of bad Press over the years and have often been represented as scary. Starting at 7.30pm, this is an evening activity, predominantly in the dark, so good footwear and warm clothing are recommended.

The price, which includes light refreshments, is £10, and places must be pre-booked on 01453 891223.

On two dates in August you can also spend a moonlit evening at Slimbridge trapping and observ- ing moths.

Although moths are beautiful and surprisingly colourful creatures, we rarely get to see them. Take a peek into their world on Fridays, August 22 and 29, starting at 9pm. The cost, which includes light refresh- ments, is £6 per ticket and once again, booking is essential on 01453 891223.

And how about a canoe safari? Visit the fisherman's hut to see how you can paddle your own canoe before taking to the water in the safety of the supervised coracle pool. Once acclimatised to the sturdy open canoe, you can discover a wetland trail rich in wildlife and native plant species.

The trail takes you on a journey of discovery, with glimpses of the wild reserve and nature up close through reeds and grasses.

Landlubbers can enjoy the “riverlife” experience from the safety of the shore or watch the wildlife from the family friendly hide. There is also a play area for youngsters, picnic tables and an outdoor cafe.

Canoeists have already spotted all manner of wildlife since the trail opened in April. Sightings have included a grass snake sunning itself on the banks, damselflies and dragonflies on a balmy summer evening, swans on their nests, kingfishers, herons and reed warblers.

Slimbridge Wetland Centre is open every day from 9-30am, closing at 5pm, and admission is £7.95 adults, £4.35 children or £22.15 for a family ticket for two adults and two children. Under-fours go free.

To see more pictures of Slimbridge Primary School youngsters test-driving Welly Boot Land, visit www.westerndailypress.co.uk