Blog
How different birds build their nests and rear their young
A guide to how the different groups of bird species make their nests in wetlands, what their chicks and eggs look like, and the parenting challenges they face. Each group has different adaptations to give their young the best chance.
10 May 2019
The facts about biodiversity loss: 6 key insights from the 2019 UN IPBES report
In a comprehensive and shocking global report, the IPBES have published landmark findings that show biodiversity in wetlands and other habitats around the world is in freefall. We examine what the report tells us, and what can be done.
7 May 2019
Flamenco flamingo - What's in a name?
Flamingos are well-known for their colour and dancing skills, their habits of standing on one leg. But why are they called flamingos?
1 May 2019
Slough residents turn animal detectives to save local stream
Local volunteers from Slough have been trained to identify river-residents to monitor pollution in the Salt Hill Stream by WWT experts.
16 April 2019
10 ways to add water to your garden that wildlife will love
When it comes to supporting nature, wildlife gardens are a good place to start. By creating ponds and wetland areas in our gardens - no matter how small – you'll attract wildlife like dragonflies, amphibians and birds.
16 April 2019
A guide to pond dipping: things to know before you go
Pond dipping is fun, simple and doesn’t cost much. It's no surprise that it’s a popular outdoor learning activity for children, adults and an important conservation surveying method. Our guide will help you explore responsibly.
15 April 2019
Our Planet - a wildlife series with a difference?
Biodiversity loss has long been the poor cousin of climate change. Does the launch of Our Planet, a new flagship wildlife series by Netflix, succeed in highlighting the problem?
2 April 2019
Ten of our favourite children's books and stories featuring wetlands
Woods feature strongly in stories from our childhood – Hansel and Gretel, Little Red Riding Hood - yet wetlands and water also play a prominent role in many of our favourite books.
7 March 2019
Nature springs into action early as unseasonal temperatures soar
Impatient spring weather has played havoc with the routines of our wetland wildlife. Our wintering visitors have all but left for their breeding grounds and some of our summer residents have already popped up in their place. What is going on?
5 March 2019
Dynasties – dominance and drama on the wetlands
Some of our most successful swans belong to large dynasties, powerful families who have been returning to the same lake each year for generations. As space becomes tight, visitors to the centres are likely to witness an argument or two upon the ripples.
11 February 2019
Challenging threats to our water quality – and to wetland wildlife
The Water Framework Directive is a piece of legislation that has lead to the Environment Agency improving over 4,500km of water bodies in the last 3 years. Now, that directive is under review - and there's a chance it could be weakened.
7 February 2019
The lesser snow goose: seven amazing facts
The lesser snow goose is a fascinating bird. Here are a few reasons why it's so amazing: Breeding grounds in the ArcticBirds migrate to their breeding grounds in the Arctic when snow is still on the ground, and use their body fat to wait for the new grass
9 January 2019
Longstanding Martin Mere volunteer gives us a sneak 'beak' into his day
The volunteers are WWT’s wings. Without their 1000 volunteers, the charity’s grand ambitions would never be met. One of their current longest serving volunteers is Dave Walsh, 73. He has been helping out at WWT’s Martin Mere in Lancashire for over
4 January 2019
Madagascar pochard: fact file on the world's rarest duck
Everything you need to know about the Madagascar pochard, the world's rarest duck, and how WWT have been working for over a decade to protect it and the precious wetland habitat it needs.
2 January 2019
Countdown to an eco-friendly Christmas that won't cost the Earth
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Here are some great ideas to make it a wonderful time for both you and wetland nature – by having a creative, fun Christmas while keeping down your water, carbon and plastic footprints. Eco-friendly gift idea
12 December 2018