Take the polar trail through Arundel reserve

To celebrate the centenary of Scott’s Antarctic expedition, the centre is taking families back in time to become an explorer and make their own perilous journey to the South Pole.

The “Great Scott Trail” at the wetland reserve will lead visitors through a series of adventures to see how they would fare on a trek through the Antarctic.

The ill-fated expedition has its own poignant connection with the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, which runs the centre.

Scott, a naval officer and explorer, led a team attempting to be the first to reach the South Pole in 1912.

“Make the boy interested in natural history if you can,” Scott wrote in one of his last letters, referring to his son, Peter.

Sir Peter Scott went on to found the trust.

Families begin the Great Scott Trail by creating their own flag, before choosing what supplies they wish to take with them on their journey through the grounds.

At the trail’s end they can plant their flag – for a family photograph opportunity.

Complementing the trail is the “On Thin Ice” exhibition inside the visitors’ centre, which details the history of polar exploration, and a “Base Camp: Past and Present” display will be open each day in the Outlook In building from 2pm to 4pm.

A tent and sled from the British Antarctic Survey is included in the display.

“Children love the idea of explorers,” said Claire Drew, the centre’s learning manager, “The Scott expedition faced many hazards to collect research. Modern Antarctic scientists do the same in isolated and harsh conditions.”

Other half-term activities include a geo-cache discovery trail for visitors with GPS (global positioning system) on their phone, and children’s crafts.