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Unashamedly passionate about wildlife

Unashamedly passionate about wildlife

In November, BBC's Autumnwatch will be showcasing the wonders of the migration at our very own WWT Caerlaverock in Scotland. In this special guest blog, presenter Chris Packham gets you in the mood for Autumnwatch and speaks out about being ‘unashamedly

7 October 2015

Natural flood defences prove their worth

Natural flood defences prove their worth

The British coast’s newest natural flood defences proved their worth as they easily fended off the biggest tides in over a decade. WWT Steart Marshes at high tide this morning. The Bristol Channel is to the left and the

30 September 2015

Fracking - WWT speaks up for wetlands

Fracking - WWT speaks up for wetlands

Canada Geese at Martin Mere - which is once again within range of a proposed fracking licence (c: Inge Bristow/WWT) WWT has sent the Government its views on how the latest round of potential fracking sites should be a

30 September 2015

Goat Moth Caterpillar - A Rare Sight

Goat Moth Caterpillar - A Rare Sight

Goat moth caterpillars spend four years munching on willow; their large pinscers are just the tools they need, so mind your fingers if you go near one!  This month the caterpillars are looking for somewhere to pupate over winter.  They will then emerge

28 September 2015

Barnacle geese cull - WWT takes action

Barnacle geese cull - WWT takes action

At least a quarter of Islay's barnies are due to be shot Until recently, a long-running Local Goose Management Scheme on the Hebridean island of Islay was based largely on management payments and goose scaring, with a

24 September 2015

Musk Beetle - A Closer Look

Musk Beetle - A Closer Look

Musk beetles are part of the longhorn group.  They are scarce in the UK, but larvae feed and grow inside willow trees, so wetlands like ours are a great place to spot them.  Adult beetles are this amazing green-blue metallic colour! https://youtu.be/ec2

23 September 2015

Ruff - The Most Extravagent of Waders

Ruff - The Most Extravagent of Waders

Ruff have extravagant breeding plumages that come in many colour forms. Even at this time of year the plumages can vary and the females are much smaller than the males. Whilst birds are passing through on migration; look out for these waders next time you

15 September 2015

Putting nature at the heart of plans for farming and for water

Putting nature at the heart of plans for farming and for water

Farming and nature go hand in hand at WWT Voluntary organisations have come together to produce ambitious visions for England’s farmland and the country’s water.  Wildlife and Countryside Link (Link) - a coalitio

15 September 2015

Bird News

Bird News

A flock of about 20 Wigeon which landed on the Mere were new in today, as was a Greenshank seen from the Harrier hide. Marsh Harrier showing frequently, along with Sparrowhawk, a few Common Buzzards, and at least 3 Kestrels. A number of Sand Martins were

11 September 2015

Bird News

Bird News

A Green Sandpiper was on the newly scraped scrape at the side of the United Utilities hide. Yesterday's Spotted Redshank was still in front of the Harrier hide, and a single Black-tailed Godwit toured the reserve, being seen (along with numbers of Ruff an

10 September 2015

Avocets

Avocets

Three Avocets were on the reserve all day today. Very restless, and occasionally circling up very high before deciding to stay around a bit longer, they gave the impression of birds that would rather be somewhere else, but couldn't decide which way to go

9 September 2015

Grass Snake - Hiding in the Workshop

Grass Snake - Hiding in the Workshop

Grass snakes are easy to identify with their distictive yellow and black collar. They are the largest UK species of snake but thankfully only eat fish and amphibians. They are very timid but you might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of one before winte

28 August 2015

Lizard - Enjoying the Sun

Lizard - Enjoying the Sun

This common lizard is enjoying the late summer sunshine. Basking as this one is, helps them warm up ready to go hunting. https://youtu.be/NVtcgwYpU6w Footage by Adam Finch

20 August 2015

Sunday 16th august 2015

Sunday 16th august 2015

Afternoon All! Hope you are having a lovely day? Today's sightings for you. RESERVE; Green & Great spotted woodpecker, Pied & Grey wagtail, Blue/ Great & long-tailed tit, Wood pigeon, Collared dove, Cetti's warbler, Wren, Blackbird, Robin, Bla

16 August 2015

Dragonfly - 30,000 Lenses

Dragonfly - 30,000 Lenses

Vision is the most important sense to a dragonfly. Their compound eyes are incredible allowing them to see forwards, alongside, above and behind all at the same time! Luckily we aren't on the menu and can watch them hunting for smaller prey. https://youtu

15 August 2015