Welney news
Migration in action
Late summer is an exciting time of year as thousands of birds journey South for the winter. As with any long distance travel, they need to stop and have a rest as well as some food to keep energy levels high! WWT Welney is the perfect place for them to dr
24 August 2016
Rare sawfly found
Willow sawfly larvae by Annabelle Hammond Earlier this month our volunteer, Annabelle Hammond, found this awesome caterpillar whilst managing some of the willow. It turned out to be a very rare species called the wi
22 August 2016
Water at Friends pool
Water levels are now back to normal on our Friends pool. This addition of water over the top of freshly rotivated mud will be a combination that birds will find hard to resist! Plenty of feeding opportunities for hungry travellers, it will be interestin
19 August 2016
House martin & swallow spectacle
The house martins and swallows have had a busy breeding season on the reserve this summer; but it's not over yet! Juveniles from early broods are now feeding on the wing alongside the adults. They can't roost in the nests as there is not enough room, so
18 August 2016
Reserve management works
Currently the water levels have been lowered on the pools in front of our Nelson-Lyle, Lyle and Friends hides. This is to allow the reserve team access to create the prefect conditions for birds passing through in late summer and autumn, as well as bird
15 August 2016
Nature photography gallery
Wildlife and nature photographer, Kevin Sawford, has his work on display in the gallery throughout July and August. A selection of framed, mounted and un-mounted prints, as well as cards, showcase the fantastic way he captures some of the UK's most icon
10 July 2016
Joy at rare wading bird success
Black-tailed godwit pair fencing by Jon Reeves The successful fledging of eight black-tailed godwit chicks at WWT Welney is the highlight of a brilliant, if at times unusual, breeding season. ‘Gary’ the godwit wit
24 June 2016
New behaviour witnessed for rare wading bird
Black-tailed godwit male by Emma Brand Staff monitoring the black-tailed godwits at WWT Welney Wetland Centre; have discovered a male individual with two female partners for the first time. These normally monogamous b
16 June 2016
Bridge ramp maintenance 23-25 May
The ramp at the reserve end of the bridge is being repaired Mon 23 - Wed 25 May. There will only be access to the reserve via the steps down from the bridge. We apologise for any inconvenience caused, but have scheduled these dates so as to avoid the ba
20 May 2016
Ducklings take their first steps
Shoveler duck with 12 ducklings Ducklings and chicks are starting to appear all over the reserve. This female shoveler was seen taking to the water on Lady Fen with her 12 fluffy ducklings earlier today. Great to
19 May 2016
A taste of summer
We're really excited about our summer light bites we've added to the Wigeon cafe menu. Ready for the warm, sunny days ahead. You can choose from: Salmon fishcake on a bed of leaves with an Artisan seeded rolland dill mayonnaise Chicken, pork and cranb
18 May 2016
Spring clean
Our volunteer, Richard, has been very hard at work today spring cleaning the cafe veranda ready for summer. We think he's done an amazing job. We've got some additional tables too. What other excuse do you need to come and enjoy tea and cake or a bi
12 May 2016
Taking stock
The annual shop stock take is being conducted this week. This does mean that the shop will be closed from 3pm on Tues 10 May until Thurs 12 May. We apologise for an inconvenience this causes, and will hopefully have the shop opening earlier in the day
9 May 2016
Mousetail
Mousetail (Myosurus minimus) We’ve had a recording of a nationally scarce plant on the reserve, called mousetail (Myosurus minimus). This small flowering plant is part of the buttercup family. It stands at only
6 May 2016
Small breeding wader makes a big arrival
Nature lovers in the East of England are being treated to a mighty display by one of the smallest breeding birds at WWT Welney Wetland Centre. Little ringed plovers (so called because of the golden ring around their eyes) are pulling out all the stops to
26 April 2016