Have a splashing time at the North West Puddle Jumping Championships!

Images: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/drk70gqty9f5oyr/AAA088IXGknPPr2FRSIUVTxZa?dl=0

If you want to get the half term holidays off to a splashing start, why not enter the first North West Puddle Jumping Championships?

The first ever North West competition is being held at Martin Mere Wetland Centre in Ormskirk, Lancashire, from February 14-22nd, and there will be puddles galore for all ages and abilities to jump in!

The rules are simple: dress up warm, get your wellies on and jump into puddles to win prizes. The puddles will be set up for you to practice and have fun in during the morning, with the competition starting at 2pm.

Jumps will be judged on the following three key categories:

1) the enthusiasm of the jumper

2) the creativity of the jump

3) the height of the splash

Everyone who takes part will receive a sticker and the daily winner will go into a draw to become our overall winner. The lucky winner will receive a weekend trip to compete in the World Puddle Jumping Championships in Wicksteed Park in Northamptonshire during October half term, and an annual family pass for Wicksteed Park.

Other half term activities at Martin Mere include the YUK Show; a 40-minute show about bizarre bodies. You'll find out how the cereal beetle covers its body with toxic poo, and how the sea cucumber can squirt its guts out of its bottom to entangle attackers! There will also be craft sessions where you can make a bird box to take home, or create bug toys out of recycled materials.

The popular swan feeds will be taking place daily from 3pm, so you can hear the haunting noise of up to 2,000 whooper swans feeding on the Mere. There will also be otter talks at 11.30am and 2.30pm daily, where you'll see our family of otters: Ned, Thai, Penny, Flick and Belle as they are given their daily feeds.

For more information about WWT Martin Mere's half term events, see: www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/martin-mere/

ENDS