Blog

15 Apr 2021

Diary of a swan spotter

Volunteer swan spotter extraordinaire, Wim Tijsen, talks Bewick’s, climate change and why the calls of the swans’ post migration reunions are forever etched into his memory. ...

12 Apr 2021

We're Good to Go

We’re looking forward to welcoming you back to our wetland sites across the UK and have everything in place so you have the best day out. ...

01 Apr 2021

A spotlight on wetland wildlife - March 2021

March has been a real month of change, sometimes cold but often with a real sense of spring in the air. We have said ‘bon voyage’ to the last of our winter visitors and a brief ‘hello’ to those species just passing through...

29 Mar 2021

More indoor and outdoor nature-themed family activities to try during the school holidays

The Easter holidays are here, and with warmer weather on the horizon and buds bursting into flower you might be looking to nature to keep your young adventurers entertained. Your local wetland is the perfect playground. Although we think that a rainy d...

12 Mar 2021

How to tell the difference between frog and toad spawn

Have you spotted any frogspawn yet? Whether it’s in a local pond or your own back garden it’s always an exciting moment. Along with daffodils and birdsong it’s one of the first signs that spring is here. We know it can be hard to tell exactly what i...

09 Mar 2021

10 Biodiversity success stories from WWT Reserves in 2020

2020 was a tough year, but the results are in and we’re delighted to report that we have some stories of conservation optimism to share with you. Head of Reserves Emma Hutchins takes stock and reflects on the highlights of 2020 at our ten WWT wetland si...

27 Feb 2021

How the weather affects migratory birds

The weather can have a dramatic impact on migrating birds. From cloud structure to wind direction and strength, each can play a part in the success or failure of a bird’s migration. ...

26 Feb 2021

A spotlight on wetland wildlife - February 2021

February has been a real mix of weather on our reserves, from a week of sub-zero temperatures to the recent warm air blowing up from the south. One week we were in the depths of winter, the next was looking very much like spring...

25 Feb 2021

Spring: up close

Spring is well on its way, the first flowers are appearing, the trees are beginning to bustle with bird song and when the sun comes out there’s a definite warmth to it. Join us as we take a look at all we can expect from spring, perhaps the most excitin...

15 Feb 2021

Nature-themed family activities for outdoor and indoor fun this half term

WWT’s wetland centres are great places to take in some fresh air and appreciate what the great outdoors has to offer, but with our centres currently closed now’s the perfect time to explore what’s around you. From local streams, ponds and lakes what...

01 Feb 2021

Wetlands of the World: The Yellow sea - a migration lifeline

The Yellow Sea's vast intertidal wetland mudflats offer food-packed staging posts to waders and other birds in their countless thousands. Located between China and South Korea, it's a target for conservation because of its importance to migratory birds...

28 Jan 2021

A spotlight on wetland wildlife - January 2021

We’re back with our first reserve roundup of 2021 and we find ourselves well and truly in the middle of winter. If you've missed our reserves, here's your chance to enjoy some winter wildlife virtually. ...

21 Jan 2021

Wetlands of the World: Mekong Delta - Vietnam and Cambodia

The Mekong Delta: home to floating markets, Khmer pagodas and villages surrounded by shimmering emerald rice paddies. But this vast, seasonally flooded maze of rivers, swamps and islands is so much more than an exotic holiday destination...

15 Jan 2021

Wetlands of the world: The Arctic tundra, Russia

This new series takes a look at some of the more unexplored yet fascinating wetlands on Earth. Our first stop is the Arctic tundra, home of the Bewick swan and an ancient people who are helping to protect it. ...

23 Dec 2020

New Slimbridge wetland system is treat for water and wildlife

It might look like Shrek’s spa at the moment, but don’t let the abundance of mud fool you. Wetland treatment systems involve using natural processes to treat wastewater, but they do so much more than that...