BirdRun

BirdRun is a new prize draw challenging you to guess the exact date the migrating swifts return to our Walthamstow Wetlands nature reserve this year.

Walthamstow Wetlands are an essential habitat for swifts, providing a plentiful feeding ground after their long journey from southern Africa to Britain - more than 6,500 miles. London Wildlife Trust have partnered with BirdRun and are providing our team of Conservation Officers to verify the first sighting, which could be anytime from the middle to the end of April.

Those that guess the correct date will be entered into a draw for three fabulous UK getaways, with profits going to our work in helping maintain the swifts' valuable wetland habitat at Walthamstow Wetlands.

Enter the prize draw and follow the journey of the swift

An illustrated journey of the swift from Africa to Walthamstow Wetlands, with a circuitous and winding route to show the huge distance covered

Follow where the swifts' route is thought to take them via BirdRun's social media accounts: Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

How does it work?

Step one: Check out the BirdRun website where you can read about the time window when the first swift normally arrives at Walthamstow Wetlands.

Step two: You enter the day(s) you think the first swift will arrive.

Step three: London Wildlife Trust experts look out for the birds every day and they validate the day when the first swift arrives.

Step four: Everyone who gets the correct date is entered into the prize draw. The winner(s) are selected at random.

The prizes on offer

A starry sky silhouetted within a cloud shape

First prize: Two exclusive nights accommodation for up to five with stargazing and a hot tub.

Second prize: Two-night B&B for two in a king en-suite in the heart of London

Third prize: One night B&B stay for two right by the beach in Norfolk.