Wild Water

Many of the Colchester Borough Council sites have important water habitats for animals.

From Hythe Lagoons, where water birds can be seen, to the lake at High Woods Country Park, or you can follow the River Colne from Cymbeline meadows through the town along the river side near Castle Park on to Salary Brook. Why not take a trip to one of these areas and see what wetland species you can find? 

While you are there you may want to: 

• look out for some of the things on the Wild Bingo sheet 
• play Pooh sticks – maybe see if you and a friend can race sticks against each other? 
• have an experiment to see what floats – only use natural things, just in case it floats away  
• try counting water birds 
• see if you can spot and fish, and if you can count them 
• try to build a miniature raft – this can be from man made or natural materials. Test how well it floats. Can you make a sail for it? Is it able to travel? What does the raft tell you about the direction and speed of the water? When you have finished do make sure you take your raft home with you so it doesn’t end up being rubbish.  

Just a note of warning. Water and wetlands are great places for animals, plant and humans to visit. But you do need to be sensible around water.  

Make sure you always have someone with you, stay on dry land and ensure you are not going to slip on the water’s edge.