News - WWT
Why the once common European eel is now Critically Endangered (and what can be done about it)
Author and marine biologist Helen Scales explores the plight of the European eel, once so numerous but now critically endangered. WWT conservationists have come up with a few solutions to give eels a helping hand
Spotlight on: the European otter (and how to see them in the wild)
Otters are secretive, fascinating and adorable creatures, but why do we never see them? Find out more about otters, where otters live in the UK and what to do for the best chance of seeing them in the wild.
The chips are down! Miracle birds hatched from ‘muddy potato’ eggs return thousands of miles to rearing site
Rare black-tailed godwits hand-reared at WWT Welney after their eggs were freed from muddy farmland have flown thousands of miles home for summer.
Water voles vs. rats: how to tell the difference
Have you ever seen a small furry body swimming along, and not been sure if it's a water vole or a rat? This quick guide highlights the key differences between the species.
How different birds build their nests and rear their young
A guide to how the different groups of bird species make their nests in wetlands, what their chicks and eggs look like, and the parenting challenges they face. Each group has different adaptations to give their young the best chance.
The facts about biodiversity loss: 6 key insights from the 2019 UN IPBES report
In a comprehensive and shocking global report, the IPBES have published landmark findings that show biodiversity in wetlands and other habitats around the world is in freefall. We examine what the report tells us, and what can be done.
Slough residents turn animal detectives to save local stream
Local volunteers from Slough have been trained to identify river-residents to monitor pollution in the Salt Hill Stream by WWT experts.
10 ways to add water to your garden that wildlife will love
When it comes to supporting nature, wildlife gardens are a good place to start. By creating ponds and wetland areas in our gardens - no matter how small – you'll attract wildlife like dragonflies, amphibians and birds.
Our Planet - a wildlife series with a difference?
Biodiversity loss has long been the poor cousin of climate change. Does the launch of Our Planet, a new flagship wildlife series by Netflix, succeed in highlighting the problem?
Nature springs into action early as unseasonal temperatures soar
Impatient spring weather has played havoc with the routines of our wetland wildlife. Our wintering visitors have all but left for their breeding grounds and some of our summer residents have already popped up in their place. What is going on?
Fish and chips: Eels microchipped to track species on the brink
Wild eels are being microchipped, similar to the way people microchip their pets, in an attempt by conservationists from WWT to better understand their activity. The study at Slimbridge in South Gloucester will allow scientists to monitor how eels are
The Comeback Crane
A total of three young cranes have been raised at a nature reserve in Gloucestershire marking the most successful so year of an ambitious re-introduction project. The youngsters have been practicing flying at WWT Slimbridge where 93 cranes were hand-re
World Wetlands Day: A countdown from Slough part three
Jillian Derbyshire, 62, volunteer I decided to join after seeing a notice in the park. I used to walk through quite regularly as it’s really close to where I live and I used to take my mum there. I got involved because I needed something to do. I was
World Wetlands Day: A countdown from Slough part two
John Hook, 63, volunteer, Slough I first got involved after noticing a poster on the park railings. I’d been retired for six months and I’d always told myself I wasn’t going to start volunteering for anything until I’d had half a year to myself.
World Wetlands Day: A countdown from Slough part one
WWT has been working with the community in Slough to restore its Salt Hill Stream. We talked to three of the volunteers who have been working hard to clean the area. They revealed to us why they want their wetlands back and how the project has awarded the