News
WWT receives grant of £1.58m to protect and enhance Somerset coast
WWT's ambitious new project to safeguard the Somerset coast from the effects of climate change has received a £1.58m donation as part of the Government’s Green Recovery Challenge Fund. It is one of the first environmental projects awarded a gr
10 December 2020
Wildlife Sightings 6/12/20
Weather: Regular downpoursWind Speed: BreezyRiver Wear Tide Level: Mid falling in spateWader Lakewater level: HighGrey Heron 8Curlew 9Black Headed Gull 100Shelduck 19Teal 70Redshank 13Moorhen 4Saline LagoonTide Level: Mid and f
6 December 2020
WWT welcomes Government’s ten point plan for green industrial revolution
The Prime Minister has today unveiled his plans for a green industrial revolution to boost a green recovery. The Government’s Ten Point Plan includes measures to expand protected landscapes and create and retain jobs in the environmental sector. In
18 November 2020
Impact of lockdowns on our sites
Following the UK Government’s announcement of a four week lockdown in England we have now received clarification on how the regulations will affect WWT sites.
4 November 2020
WWT Wetland Centres to welcome back schools
WWT Wetland Centres will open their doors to school pupils from December 1. Forced to close their doors to such excursions in March, the conservation charity is pleased to be able to once again help children reconnect with nature in a safe and secure en
19 October 2020
Famous artist’s work up for auction to raise money for spoon-billed sandpipers
Internationally renowned bird sculptor, Guy Taplin, whose works have been snapped up by the likes of Michael Palin and Jacqueline Onassis, is selling one of his bird sculptures to help WWT save the spoon-billed sandpiper.
15 October 2020
WWT receives cash boost from Disney Conservation Fund to continue to improve wetlands for people and wildlife in Madagascar
UK charity WWT has been awarded a $49,600 grant by the Disney Conservation Fund (DCF) for its work to save the world’s rarest duck, the Madagascar pochard. The conservation charity has been working in the northern regions of the island to restore a vast
15 October 2020
Fall for nature’s spectacle at WWT wetland centres this autumn
Just as wetlands offer sanctuary to thousands of animals over the colder months, they also make the perfect place to safely escape the everyday and appreciate one of nature’s greatest shows - autumn. For our wetlands, it is a spectacular time of year.
29 September 2020
Our response to the UN’s GBO-5 report: Humanity at a crossroads
Summary The Global Biodiversity Outlook 5 (GBO-5) report, published by the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) on 15 September, offers an authoritative overview of the state of nature now. It is a school report on the world’s progress in meet
16 September 2020
Living Planet Report shows a dramatic decline in freshwater species - giving more urgency to implement Emergency Recovery Plan
A key element of the 2020 Living Planet Report's Freshwater Deep Dive, this scientific paper outlines a revolutionary plan to reverse the rapid decline in the world’s freshwater species and habitats while protecting our life support systems.
10 September 2020
Our response to the State of the Environment speech
In response to Sir James Bevan's speech today at the launch of the Environment Agency's State of the Environment report, WWT's Director of Conservation, Dr James Robinson said: Sir James is right to say investing in a healthy environment is about t
8 September 2020
The only black-winged stilts to hatch in the UK this year have successfully fledged in Somerset
A trio of black-winged stilt chicks have flown the nest at WWT Steart Marshes, where to the disbelief of conservationists, they hatched last month. This is the first time the rare wader has ever nested at the reserve and it is the most western point in
25 August 2020
WWT welcomes new Chair, Barnaby Briggs
This week, Barnaby Briggs was elected Chair of WWT by a unanimous vote from his fellow Trustees He steps into the role previously held by Peter Day who sadly passed away in July. Barnaby brings with him extensive experience from the conservation and en
21 August 2020
Swans reserve aggression for each other, new research has found
Despite their hostile reputations, swans ruffle each other's feathers rather than other birds, according to a study commissioned by WWT and the University of Exeter. Of all three swan species observed; whooper, Bewick’s and mute swans were most frequen
18 August 2020
WWT joins coalition calling for long-term plan for England's beavers
The Government should allow wild beavers to remain in England and expand naturally through river catchments, with robust local management and monitoring of the animals, say members of a coalition which includes WWT. The call for an English Beaver Strateg
17 August 2020