Sustainability at WWT London

At London Wetland Centre, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword, it’s at the heart of everything we do. Since Sir Peter Scott founded WWT in 1946, the vision has been clear: care for nature today so future generations can enjoy it tomorrow.

Every corner of the centre, from bird hides to our café, is managed with people, wildlife, and the planet in mind. Here’s a few ways we try to make a difference.

We work hard to reduce our energy use and generate energy where we can:

396 solar panels generate 115,000 kWh of clean electricity each year - enough to power 43 UK homes!
Surplus energy goes back into the National Grid for others to use.
LED lighting throughout the visitor centre
All the electricity that we do buy is from 100% renewable energy
Low-energy hand dryers in toilets
Electric power tools for our reserves team

Even small actions, like switching off lights, computers, and electrical devices, help reduce emissions and protect wildlife.

Water is at the heart of wetlands, so we use it wisely:

Raised ponds in the courtyard capture rainwater and create mini-wetlands and we’ve even seen ducks nesting!
Rainwater collected at Thames Water H2O building is reused for toilet flushing
Water-saving taps and toilets across the site
Eco-friendly cleaning products keep harmful chemicals out of the environment

Did you know? Every drop counts. Small changes like turning the tap off when brushing your teeth or only boiling the water you need in kettles add up to make a big impact.

Our 100-acre reserve is alive with biodiversity: over 2,300 species recorded, from dragonflies and amphibians to rare birds like bitterns and glossy ibis.

Green roofs on bird hides insulate buildings, attract insects, and provide bird foraging areas
Wildlife-friendly gardens, bird boxes, feeders, and insect hotels help species flourish

Fun fact: We create habitats everywhere; no corner of the reserve is left unused! You could make a bug hotel or leave water out for wildlife on a windowsill.

We aim for zero waste to landfill and circularity (eliminate reduce reuse recycle):

Compost café food waste
Plant-based, compostable takeaway packaging
Cut 54,000 plastic bottles/year by offering drinks in cans, cartons, or glass
Reusable cups and on-site porcelain mugs encouraged
Benches and bins made from recycled plastic

Tip: Small daily actions, like bringing your own water bottle, help make a difference.

Where possible we use recycled and planet-friendly materials:

Timber from responsibly managed forests
Acetylated (a bit like being treated with vinegar!) wood for long-lasting structures
Carpets made from recycled fishing nets
Leaflets printed on 100% recycled paper with vegetable inks
Eco-conscious shop products—from beeswax wraps to kids’ clothes made from recycled plastic

Considering greener options for visiting:

EV charge points, secure bike racks and cages, pumps, and repair kits
On Sustrans Cycle Route 4
Multiple London buses stop nearby, one directly in the car park
Coaches and car-sharing encouraged

Small Changes, Big Difference

Sustainability is a journey, and every visitor is part of it. Refilling your bottle, cycling instead of driving, or sharing feedback all make a difference.