The wintering wild swans at Welney are one of the best natural spectacles in the UK. Each winter up to 9 000 Whooper and Bewick's swans make their way from Iceland and Arctic Russia to spend the winter on the Ouse Washes at Welney.
You can see these amazing travellers and find out more by visiting a swan feed at the Welney Wetland Centre. Relax in the comfort of our centrally-heated observatory and listen to the 15-20 minute commentary from one of our expert wardens about the swans and ducks that winter at Welney as well as some of the fascinating history of the site. After the talk the warden will make their way outside in front of the observatory with a wheelbarrow full of grain drawing in hundreds of wild swans for you to see up close. After the feed there is the oppotunity to ask the warden questions.
Swan feeds occur daily from Sat 24 October - Sun 14 March. Different feeds occur on different days. See below for more details.
Wild Swan Feeds – Winter 2009/2010
We recommend that visitors arrive at least 30 minutes in advance of the advertised swan feed start time.
Sat 24 October 2009 to Sun 14 March 2010
Monday – Sunday at 3.30pm
Sat 26 December 2009 to Sun 14 March 2010
Monday - Sunday 12 noon
Thu 5 November 2009 - Sun 28 February 2010
Thursday - Sunday 6.30pm
Planning the perfect visit
The swans start to arrive from their breeding grounds in early October and numbers build until early November. They begin to leave towards the end of February and most have gone by the end of March. Keep an eye on Wildlife Sightings for up-to-date reserve reports on the variety and number of birds currently using the reserve.
One of the most spectacular times of day is watching the swans return to the reserve to roost. Thousands of swans can be seen streaming across the sky against the backdrop of a Fenland sunset. This happens at dusk which obviously changes throughout the winter according to daylength but occurs between the 3.30pm feed and the 6.30pm feed. To see the most swans the best feed to catch is generally the 6.30pm feed with up 1500 swans in front of the main observatory, but this does vary on a daily basis. There is nothing more romantic and magical than hundreds of swans gliding around the lagoon lit by the floodlights.
To make sure you get fed as well as the swans, the Wigeon cafe remains open until 7.30pm on days with evening feeds serving homemade cakes and hot and cold drinks all day with hot meals served 12noon - 2.30pm. The gift shop is open until 8pm for you to take away a souvenir of your visit.
Entry to a swan feed is included in your admission ticket. Please see Visitor Information for more details on admission prices.
Groups
For groups wanting to see a swan feed you are welcome to any of the feeds with a booking or you may like to take the opportunity of having a private feed for your group on a Wednesday evening. See the Groups page for more details and to download a Group Visit Pack.
Winter opening times
Mon 2 November 2009 - Sun 28 February 2010
Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays
10.00am to 5.00pm - Visitor centre/shop/reserve (Wigeon café closes at 4.30pm)
Thursdays - Sundays
10.00am to 8.00pm – Visitor centre/shop/reserve (Wigeon café closes at 7.30pm)
Late night last admission at 6.30pm.
Occasionally, during the winter months, the A1101 between Welney village and Suspension bridge is flooded. This flooding can also affect access to some parts of the reserve. At these times, regular updates will be posted on the website in Visitor Information. In times when there is no flooding, no further notice will be posted. If you are unsure about the current conditions, or would like further information, please call the centre on 01353 860711 before you leave home.
Photography
The main observatory at Welney has a photography basement for use by professional photographers. The basement provides low-level viewing ports to capture incredible wildlife shots particularly during the winter swan season.
The photography basement will be available for use until mid-April, after which time it will be out of use until 1st September 2009. This is to minimise disturbance on the reserve during the breeding season. Basement use is also dependant on the water levels of the reserve.
A minimum donation of £30 per person per day is requested from photographers wishing to use the basement. Admission rates also apply.
Access is during reserve opening times only and at the discretion of the duty warden. Sessions must be pre-booked by contacting the centre on 01353 860711 or info.welney@wwt.org.uk