Water levels are dropping after our wetlands provided essential flood relief for the region upstream of WWT Welney. We are updating access as areas open Find out more.

Wildlife

Each season brings its star species and spectacles to Welney Wetland Centre

For the most up-to-date reserve news, view our Latest sightings.

Warblers return in full song; garganey are on the lagoon; the chicks of waders, such as black-tailed godwit, avocet, redshank, lapwing and snipe, hatch and discover the waters.

Black-tailed godwits are return to breed, find out about how we are working to protect this wetland specialist of the Fens. Enjoy listening to their whickering calls as they pair up and set about raising their young.

A variety of birds display to prospective partners ahead of breeding, their performance a treat for the eyes and ears. Highlights include lapwing, redshank, shoveler, garganey, avocet, little ringed plover and common tern.

The long-distance travels of many bird species mean anything can drop in. Ringed plover, greenshank, sandpipers, terns and ruff use our wetlands as a refuelling stop. Whilst cuckoo, yellow wagtail and sedge warbler stay for summer.

Spring across our wetlands

A round-up of wildlife news and work across the reserve from Spring 2022.

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The washes become colourful with wildflowers, dragonflies, butterflies and moths; the need to feed young spurs hawks and owls to hunt; swallows and house martins fledge.

A wealth of dragonflies and damselflies are on the wing in summer. These brightly coloured masters of the air defend territories along the waterways and find a mate. Explore the pond dipping stations for a closer look at their young nymphs.

Adult barn owls are in the last few weeks of feeding chicks, in preparation of venturing out for themselves. The open landscape is fantastic for barn owls, but you might also encounter little owls too, so keep your eyes and ears alert.

A riot of colour, can be enjoyed across our wetlands. Loosestrife, woundwort, meadow rue and flowering rush provide yellow, purple, cream and pink; though a whole rainbow of plants is waiting to be discovered.

Dragonfly spotter sheet

Discover Welney's dragonflies and damselfies and tick them off as you explore!

Download activity sheet

The tranquility of summer gives way to an influx of birds once again, migrant waders drop in, cranes gather together in post-breeding flocks and numbers of ducks being to increase across our wetlands.

Cranes are making a comeback in the Fens. These secretive breeders come together to forage and dance at Welney in the autumn. The flock feeds on the spoils left over from early harvested crops, as well as dropping in to our wetlands.

The willow emerald damselfly is a newcomer to UK wetlands and is expanding its range. Adults can still be seen on the wing into autumn, pairing and laying eggs in the branches of willow overhanging the waterways. On sunny days also look out for darter dragonflies.

As young birds start to fend for themselves and others start to arrive ahead of winter, the increased activity attracts the attention of harriers. Some of these being youngsters themselves, not every hunting attempt will be a success.

Wild cranes at Welney

Cranes are a spectacular sight, find out how they've been doing at Welney in recent years.

Many thousands of ducks come in from the Arctic and are joined by the magical sight of up to 9,000 wild Bewick’s and whooper swans alighting on the lakes, just in time to take advantage of the centre’s floodlit feeds.

Enjoy the sights and sounds of a variety of duck species that make UK wetlands their home in winter. Wigeon, pintail and pochard to name a few, are busy feeding, preening and escaping the talons of birds of prey.

Whooper and Bewick’s swans join the resident mute swans for winter in the Fens. The daily commute of swans from roost site out to the fields to feed and their return at dusk is incredible to witness.

Our wetlands are not only home to a bustling hive of bird activity, but also fantastic space to unwind and enjoy being outdoors even on the shortest days.

Owls in winter

Being in the heart of the Fens, Welney is in prime location for barn owls. During the winter months they're joined by short-eared owls, which only adds to the wildlife spectacle.

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