Blog
Stories from the Russian Arctic
With Bewick's numbers falling by 40 percent since the mid-1990s, and as many as a third having shotgun bullet pellets in their bodies, WWT has been working with the local community in their Russian breeding grounds to help conserve these endangered swans
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.
Lost species: how the UK was once a much wetter land
Thousands of years ago, lowland Britain would once have been a much wetter place. There would have been a lot more wetland habitat all over the lowlands, filled with species you might not expect to see roaming the UK in great numbers.
A spotlight on wetland wildlife - December Christmas Special
Join us for the final reserves roundup of 2020, where we hear updates on what's going on at WWT's 10 sites with a festive twist.
How your swan artworks helped get lead shot banned in EU wetlands
As the vote approached, we launched a callout in partnership with BirdLife Europe to ‘share a swan’ as a symbol of hope. See a small selection of some of the artworks our supportive WWT community produced!
A spotlight on wetland wildlife - November 2020
Our latest reserve roundup is here. Birds that have migrated to our wetlands are settling in for the winter as the temperatures drop.
Wetlands throughout the seasons: winter
As the temperature drops, our wetland world is transformed. While much of the world slows down, winter wetlands come alive with their own special beauty. Find out more about the sights and sounds of wetlands in winter.
How to have a greener festive season that will also help wetlands
Make a more meaningful connection this festive season. We’ve put together some ideas to help you have a creative, fun and nature-filled Christmas while keeping down your water, carbon and plastic footprints.
Rising temperatures are triggering changed responses in animal populations in the Arctic, new data shows
The Arctic is in the process of entering a new ecological phase, which potentially carries a huge cost for humanity. WWT have taken part in a global study to shed light on how climate change might be affecting high Arctic species.
A spotlight on wetland wildlife - October 2020
Join us on another journey around our reserves looking back on the migratory month of October. Thousands of waterbirds are arriving on our wetlands for the winter, some all the way from arctic Russia.
Migrations series: how birds use wetlands as migration service-stations
Migration is one of the biggest events in a bird’s life, and many rely on wetlands to get them home. From well-known wildlife destinations to more modest, muddy wetlands, here are just some of the world’s most important migration stopover sites.
What lies beneath: monsters of the marsh – myths and realities
We’ve sifted through the murky depths of wetlands’ worst to assemble a horror cast of bone-chilling, boggy beasts. Real or not, this line-up is the stuff of nightmares. We dare you to dive below to find out more. Please paddle carefully
Wetland Warriors: Tadpole shrimp and tardigrades
There are two wetland animals that are unparalleled in their ability to survive whatever is thrown at them; extreme radiation, the vacuum of space… Being microwaved. Yes, it's the unassumingly named water bears and tadpole shrimp.
Nights, camera, action! Device to record voyaging eels during hours of darkness installed at Gloucestershire reserve marking World Fish Migration Day
A new acoustic camera has been fitted at WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre to monitor eels embarking on their epic migratory voyage.
Wetlands throughout the seasons: autumn
From breath-taking scenery to epic wildlife migrations, autumn is when nature chooses to wow us with its beauty and power before slowing down for a period of rest and regeneration. So what can we expect from this colourful, dramatic season?