WILDLIFE presenter Mike Dilger will be among the visitors flocking to WWT Slimbridge for its upcoming Festival of Birds.

The annual festival, on Saturday, January 26 and Sunday, January 27, takes advantage of the peak birdwatching season, allowing visitors to see Slimbridge’s wildlife when the site is at its busiest.

Mr Dilger, best known for hosting BBC’s The One Show, will be speaking on The Trials and Tribulations of a TV Naturalist’ on Saturday evening.

His visit to Slimbridge is part of his Big 9 Challenge, in which he be visiting all nine WWT centres across the UK in just nine days.

Environmentalist Mark Avery will be speaking about nature conservation on Friday evening.

During the daytime there will be conservation talks by leading experts, wildlife workshops, and the chance to spot Bewick’s swans from the observatory or hides.

There is also a market with stalls selling equipment and great gifts for wildlife lovers. The Dursley Birdwatching & Preservation Society is one of the many local organisations represented.

Children will be kept busy with arts and crafts, including making bird masks and flapping swans.

Normal admission prices apply, apart from for the evening talks which require booking.

For more information call 01453 891223 or email events.slimbridge@wwt.org.uk.