Blog
Protecting biodiversity at WWT Steart Marshes
Life thrives in wetlands and by creating and managing habitats, we can improve an area's biodiversity. One of our shining examples of how we can do this on a grand scale is the Steart Marshes, a huge salt marsh reserve created in 2014.
2 February 2020
Why don’t birds get frozen feet? And other amazing avian adaptations
When you see waterbirds standing around in cold water, or wandering across the ice, you might wonder why they don’t get frostbite in their feet. So how do ducks, geese and swans cope with the cold weather in the winter?
28 January 2020
Photography competition 2019 - the winners
The winner, runner ups and commended photos from the 2019 Waterlife photography competition.
9 January 2020
How birdwatching helped me through a cancer diagnosis: An interview with Waltraud Englefield
We caught up with Waltraud Englefield, birdwatcher, nature lover and cancer survivor, to find out more about how immersing herself in nature helped her to deal with her news and improved her health and wellbeing.
30 December 2019
Nature activities to do with the kids in wetlands
Want to sell the idea of a family walk to the kids? Here are our 10 tips to whip up some enthusiasm!
30 December 2019
Why children are spending less time outside - and what we can do about it
According to a 2016 survey, 75% of children in the UK are getting less time outside than prison inmates. WWT's learning manager Mark Stead looks at why this is, and how we can get our children outside.
27 December 2019
Bird watching for beginners: advice for a first-time birder
To help you get the most out of your first bird watching experience, we asked Sam Walker, who recently got into birding, what advice he has for newbies.
20 December 2019
Q&A with Reserve Manager, Dave Paynter
I’ve worked at Slimbridge for 38 years. Over the last few decades there has been a shift away from focussing on just a couple of species into managing many more, broader species at our reserves. More people are now aware of conservation and the
19 December 2019
Which swan's which? How to tell the difference between swan species
Did you know there are 3 species of swan who live in the UK at least some of the year? The UK is home to three types of swan: mute, Bewick’s and whooper. Learn to identify the difference between the migratory swan species.
20 November 2019
Which animals hibernate in the UK? And how you can help them
Find out how and why animals hibernate, how hibernation actually works, and which wetland animals use hibernation as a survival technique during winter in the UK.
28 October 2019
Not just for birds: wetland mammal stars
As bird-mad as we are at WWT, it’s not all about our feathered friends. Wetlands make the perfect home for a wide range of species including a number of marvellous mammals. Otters, water voles, beavers and bats are all wetland specialists.
18 October 2019
Autumn photography tips: how to capture that golden autumn light
Whether it's snapping those tricky starling murmurations or capturing great migrations, autumn in wetlands has a lot to offer photographers. Top wildlife photographer Chris Gomersall shares his essential tips to make the most of autumn.
23 September 2019
Cambodia: the kingdom of wetlands
Cambodia is one of the most wetland dependant countries in the world. More than 46% of its people live and work in wetlands and 80% of the population rely on them for food. Yet protecting wetlands in Cambodia is a complex and challenging issue.
20 September 2019
Fact file: Saltmarshes and mudflats
Saltmarshes and mudflats are tidal wetlands that are intermittently submerged with water, forming in sheltered coastal areas. They have a huge amount of biodiversity, and are valuable to humans as efficient 'carbon sinks' and flood protection.
19 September 2019
Protecting Madagascar's wetlands: My Wild Life with Harison Andriambelo
Harison Andriambelo, WWT's Wetland Technical Advisor in Madagascar, writes about his love of wetlands and why it's so important that we recognise the importance and fragility of this habitat in Madagascar, as well as its forests.
5 September 2019