News
Trading meetings
I have been at Slimbridge for a series of trading meetings. Every 4 months the retail, catering and centre managers come together to discuss a variety of issues relating to training and share best practice. We discussed visual merchandising , brand stan
22 May 2012
Picking a desirable residence for the year.
The Caribbean flamingos (find them opposite the restaurant) at WWT Slimbridge have been thrown a little by the weird and slightly uninspiring weather that's made up most of Spring 2012 so far. These flamingos like it best with the odd day of rain and then
20 May 2012
Parent rearing geese.
We are doing rather well parent rearing goose species at the moment. After her early first nest was lost, the female Greater Magellan sat down on 7 more eggs in April producing these gorgeous humbugs just 28 days later. With a 7 out of 7 record in their f
19 May 2012
The bird from the high Andes.
The last species of flamingo to introduce to you at WWT Slimbridge is the multi-coloured Andean flamingo (Phoenicoparrus andinus). A very special group of birds and another Slimbridge "highlight" as this is the largest flock of this species on display in
18 May 2012
Flamingo chicks hatch
Six greater flamingo chicks have been born at WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre. Twenty three eggs have been laid so far this year; so the Grounds team are still expecting many more chicks to hatch in the next week for the award winning Downy Duckling Week,
17 May 2012
In the pink (and very bright too!)
The crimson Caribbean flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber) is an unmistakable bird. A close relative of the greater flamingo, Caribbean flamingos are vivid in colour and contrary to (some) popular belief, they have not been dyed, the colour of their feathers i
16 May 2012
A great flamingo.
Phoenicopterus roseus, the greater flamingo, is one of the most wide-spread and well-known of the six species. Occurring in many parts of Africa as well as closer to home in Europe (large populations exist in southern France and in Spain), greater flaming
14 May 2012
Ducks are disappearing from our seas - WWT calls for international action
Long-tailed duck, James Lees Numbers of seven species of sea duck have dropped by up to 65% in Northern Europe in the last 15 years, including some that winter off the UK’s coasts, particularly long-tailed duck and
14 May 2012
What's with the pink "knees"?
Introducing the birds from Chile. In the South American Pen at WWT Slimbridge you will find a large flock of a very striking species of flamingo. Phoenicopterus chilensis, the Chilean flamingo, is instantly recognisable thanks to its bright tangerine-pink
12 May 2012
Have you seen Mr James?
There is a very special bird living at WWT Slimbridge. He is both fascinating from a natural history viewpoint and from a “zoo history” perspective. Phoenicoparrus jamesi, the James’ or Puna flamingo, is a little-studied, poorly understood species
11 May 2012
Developments update
We have a fantastic meeting all day yesterday based on forthcoming developments in the grounds this year. The aim is to completely redevelop the Australiasia area of the grounds and create new areas for birds such as magpie geese and cereopsis. This work
10 May 2012
Bank holiday success
I was on holiday for most of the bank holiday but I am pleased to say that we had a fantastic few days with over 3300 visitors. Everyone really seemed to enjoy the reptiles and the birds of prey and I have had some lovely emails as well as posts on twitte
8 May 2012
Live images restored to the webcam
After a day and a half with a blank screen we now have our ospreys back live on our CCTV system and the webcam. The pictures came through just after 4pm today and we could see the female osprey sitting tight on her nest. At this time of year we probaly
4 May 2012
Lapwing chick
Guest blog by Reserve Warden Mike Caiden Lapwing chick - Mike Caiden This Lapwing chick (above) was found on an island on the main lake, during some essential maintenance work on the islands. It's probably only a day
3 May 2012
Caerlaverock summer walks are now open
With the departure of the barnacle geese and most of our wintering wildfowl we have opened our meadow walk and the river walk that meanders along the banks of the Lochar Water. The wildlfower meadow is not in bloom as yet apart from the cuckoo flower whic
3 May 2012