Blog

Cambodia: the kingdom of wetlands
Cambodia is one of the most wetland dependant countries in the world. More than 46% of its people live and work in wetlands and 80% of the population rely on them for food. Yet protecting wetlands in Cambodia is a complex and challenging issue.

Fact file: Saltmarshes and mudflats
Saltmarshes and mudflats are tidal wetlands that are intermittently submerged with water, forming in sheltered coastal areas. They have a huge amount of biodiversity, and are valuable to humans as efficient 'carbon sinks' and flood protection.

Alien Plant Meets a Mighty Foe at Llanelli Wetland Centre
In a first for Wales, a microscopic sap-sucking mite has been introduced in a bid to help control invasive Australian wetland plant Crassula that chokes up bodies of water and vastly out-competes our native plants.

Wild barnacle geese take climate action
2019 research has shown that migratory barnacle geese are actively adjusting their traditions to climate change, shifting their migration routes within the last 25 years.

Have we got newt for you!
North East wetland reserve helps the local population of protected great-crested newt thrive

Mangroves: The incredible salt-water wetland forests
Most trees could not tolerate the sorts of conditions that mangrove forests thrive in. These unique trees are tough. They’re survivors. But now they’re facing their greatest challenge yet: humans

Hand-reared curlews released at Slimbridge
Dozens of hand-reared curlews have been released onto the Slimbridge reserve as part of a trial to conserve the species in lowland England.

Giant plughole poses serious threat to sea life in the UK's largest estuary
Up to half a million fish each day will be sucked into Hinkley Point C nuclear power station if it is allowed to install a “giant plughole” in one of the UK’s heaviest protected marine areas, the Severn Estuary.

What is the IUCN Red List, and how is it used to track biodiversity loss?
The IUCN Red List is the most well-known assessment of species populations worldwide. It consists of nine threat categories. The latest assessment from the IUCN Red List in 2019 shows that more than 28,000 species are threatened with extinction.

Freedom for fish in the Severn Vale after old waterways restored as part of 1.3m project
Struggling salmon, and a wide range of other fish species, will now have improved passage along the River Frome following the rewetting of an old channel at Bond’s Mill in Stonehouse, Gloucestershire.

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

Wildlife ID guide: what species lives in a pond?
Did you know that ponds are havens for a huge range of aquatic invertebrates, amphibians and more? Find out more about how to identify the huge biodiversity of pond life when you next go pond dipping.

Make a Crane!
One of the most famous origami models is the paper crane. In Japanese folklore, the crane is said to live for a thousand years. Read on for simple instruction on how to make a paper crane, and take the WWT #CraneChallenge

Spring photography tips: how to get the best shots of new life
Spring is a fantastic time of the year for photographers. As the days lengthen and the temperature starts to warm, learn how WWT reserve warden Arron Roberts photograph new life and a plethora of colourful subjects.

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.