The Very Hungry Caterpillar Trail™ Launch Day

TVHC Banner - do not use other than for event

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Trail™ Launch Day

Location:
Book
Spring’s here – hooray! Time to celebrate Very Hungry Caterpillar Day weekend!

Event details

Meeting point

Engine House Visitor Centre.

Date

Time
The Launch Day activities begin at 11am and finish when the reserve closes at 4pm. You are welcome to complete the Trail during this time or before the other activities begin. The reserve opens at 9.30am.
A static map of The Very Hungry Caterpillar Trail™ Launch Day

About the event

20th March is the first day of spring and the start of Very Hungry Caterpillar Day weekend. To celebrate, we’re launching our brand new Very Hungry Caterpillar Trail™ on Saturday 21st March!

Join us at Walthamstow Wetlands where we’re hosting a fun, family-friendly day of nature crafts, minibeast hunting, and even storytelling sessions from everyone’s favourite caterpillar.

From 21st March to 30th June, you’ll be able to follow The Very Hungry Caterpillar Trail™, discovering colourful creatures and completing an activity booklet as you go.

So get a wriggle on and come and join us!

Follow along on socials with #VHCDAY and @WorldEricCarle

 

What to expect

🐛 Meet The Very Hungry Caterpillar™ at intervals on the 21st of March!

🖍️ Take part in nature-based crafts and activities.

🦆 Follow the Trail along the main Wetlands path featuring illustrated animals from the World of Eric Carle.

 

How to help caterpillars & butterflies at home

London Wildlife Trust's vision is a London alive with wildlife and nature in everyone's neighbourhood. If you want to encourage caterpillars and butterflies in your neighbourhood, you can find plenty of advice on this page.

 

Important information

Free General Admission tickets entitle you to take part in the Launch Day activities such as pond dipping and storytelling sessions with The Very Hungry Caterpillar™.

Admission with Trail Activity Booklet tickets entitle you to all of the above plus one booklet which allows you to complete our Very Hungry Caterpillar Trail™.

One Trail booklet can be shared between a group. Please reserve additonal General Admission tickets for each member of your party.

Trail booklets must be collected from the Engine House Visitor Centre. The Trail begins here, with entry to the site from Forest Road.

The reserve closes at 4pm. Please allow enough time (at least 1 hour) to complete the Trail route before this time.

From start to finish the Trail is approximately 0.6 miles (1km), though returning to the Engine House will double this length.

This event is mostly outdoors, so dress for the weather! We are unable to approve refund requests made as a result of poor weather.

Please note each session with The Very Hungry Caterpillar character will have limited capacity and entry will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis.

On rare occasions we may have to close the reserve if weather conditions become dangerous. We will endeavour to let attendees know as soon as possible if this is the case.

This Trail was designed for children aged 8 and under and their families, but anyone is welcome to take part.

#VHCDay

™ & © 2026 Penguin Random House LLC. All rights reserved.

Know before you go

Dogs

image/svg+xml
Assistance dogs only
image/svg+xml

Mobility

The car park and Engine House both have ramped access and level surfaces. The Trail route follows the main path which is flat and paved. From start to finish the Trail is approximately 0.6 miles (1km), though returning to the Engine House will double this length.

image/svg+xml

Wheelchair access

The Engine House and Trail route are both accessible for wheelchair users. The remaining area on which the activities will take place may be uneven or muddy in places. If you would like more information please contact us at engagement@wildlondon.org.uk
image/svg+xml

What to bring

Dress for the weather and bring some binoculars if you have them!

image/svg+xmlP

Parking information

There is a paid car park on site.
image/svg+xml

Bicycle parking

Next to the Engine House visitor centre.
image/svg+xmli

Facilities

Toilets
Shop
Cafe/refreshments
Picnic area
Accessible toilet
Baby changing facilities
Disabled parking

Contact us

Engagement Team