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Please note the site is CLOSED today (Wednesday 16th July)

This is because we have no water supply due to a burst water pipe on the A38. We hope to reopen on Thursday 17th July, please check our website and social media for updates.

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Latest sightings

Wood Sandpiper new in

Wood Sandpiper new in

Zeiss Hide/Top New PiecePlenty of wader activity here today, ten male and eight female Lapwing present on the field and flood edge, at least three broods were foraging and one nest is still active. A smart newly arrived Wood Sandpiper proved popular on th

5 May 2019

Ruff on the rise

Ruff on the rise

We've seen an increase in the number of Ruff in recent days with a small group of reeves (females) arriving on the reserve.

2 May 2019

Hobbies

Hobbies

At least three Hobby were seen feeding over the reserve today, the warm weather certainly offered them insects to hunt on the wing. Other raptors noted included a Marsh Harrier, Red Kite and a few Buzzards.Dumbles/Top New Piece from Zeiss Hide7 Cranes and

29 April 2019

A flush of godwits

A flush of godwits

We've seen our Black-tailed Godwit numbers drop over the last few days since the peak on Monday, but this afternoon another wave arrived this afternoon bringing us back up to over 600 birds!

19 April 2019

Look out for wagtails

Look out for wagtails

The Reserve Team have been finishing off fencing for a new habitat corridor today that will run along the Tack Piece, and were treated to at least 6 Yellow Wagtails buzzing around with the cattle.

17 April 2019

The VIP godwit

The VIP godwit

It's the time of year when lots of birds are arriving or passing through the reserve on migration, including Black-tailed Godwits. Some of the birds are colour ringed, but this bird caught our eye and turns out to be a VIP!

16 April 2019

First Reed Warbler of the year

First Reed Warbler of the year

Another new arrival for the year with a Reed Warbler singing away in the reedbed below the Zeiss Hide this morning

15 April 2019

Great White Egrets

Great White Egrets

South LakeAvocets 16 busy feedingBlack Tailed Godwit a sleepy flock of 38.Shoveler 22 including some very close birdsPochard a single male on the lake.Great Crested Grebe a very handsome pair.Sand Martin around 20 over the lakeBlackcap and Willow Warbler

14 April 2019

Arctic Tern

Arctic Tern

Rushy Arctic Tern briefly over the pond at 10.00 heading towards South lake. Avocet 27 prospecting and a gang of 40 Black Tailed Godwit close to the hide. A 2nd summer Med Gull was with the Black Heads.Tack PieceGood views of 15 redshank and a scattering

13 April 2019

Visimig continues

Visimig continues

Another day with birds visibly moving (vismig), the combination of drizzle, low cloud and NE breeze allowed us to witness bird migration. Meadow Pipits dominated the day with 100s passing through all day long. Seven late Redwings were also seen heading ov

9 April 2019

Amazing visible migration

Amazing visible migration

From first light it was clear that a significant movement of birds was on, anyone with the time to watch from a decent vantage point would have logged a large number of birds at WWT Slimbridge today. A variety of species were noted by reserve team members

8 April 2019

Another Marsh Harrier

Another Marsh Harrier

One rather plain looking 'cream crown' Marsh Harrier has been around for a few weeks has briefly been in the company of others that were passing through. A couple of other individuals have been seen but appear to be moving through or staying just for a da

7 April 2019

High Numbers of Black-tailed Godwit

High Numbers of Black-tailed Godwit

At least seven hundred Black-tailed Godwit are on the reserve, a good day for "sea" watching on the river and other sightings from the reserve.

5 April 2019

Grebes display

Grebes display

Our two regular grebe species (Great Crested and Little are now in breeding plumage and establishing territories. The South Lake is the best place to see both as we have a pair and a spare of Great Crested Grebe present. The elaborate weed dance display h

4 April 2019

Another Black-tailed Godwit record count!

Another Black-tailed Godwit record count!

Boy, are we popular with Black-tailed Godwits this early Spring period, the reserve record has again been broken- 737 were logged during a twenty minute counting blitz this morning.Zeiss Hide 16 Avocet, at least 8 Knot, 2 Redshank, 8 Wigeon, Ruff and Sand

3 April 2019