Blog

What is biodiversity and why do we need it?

What is biodiversity and why do we need it?

Biodiversity is a measure of how many different forms of life live in an ecosystem - the diversity within species, between species and within ecosystems. Every species of animal and plant depends on the services provided by other species to survive.

13 June 2020

When do mallard ducklings appear?

When do mallard ducklings appear?

In spring and summer, ducklings abound on rivers and ponds around the UK. Mallards are caring mums, but their task isn’t easy.

11 June 2020

Macro wildlife photography tips you can try anywhere

Macro wildlife photography tips you can try anywhere

For many of us, capturing wildlife on camera is one of the ways we explore our love of nature. If you're restricted to your local area, why not think small and try macro photography using a DSLR or smartphone with our handy tips?

10 June 2020

Your window on wetland wildlife - May 2020

Your window on wetland wildlife - May 2020

Hello! And welcome to another round up of our top wildlife picks from across our sites.

10 June 2020

Why do birds sing, and what do their calls mean?

Why do birds sing, and what do their calls mean?

What do the songs and calls of birds mean, why do they sing more at certain times of the day or year and is it emotional or purely a means of survival?

2 June 2020

Nature and lockdown: how we can plan a ‘green recovery’ for our health

Nature and lockdown: how we can plan a ‘green recovery’ for our health

Many of us have become acutely aware that our connection to wild places and other forms of life is innate and essential to our wellbeing as well as that of the wildlife we love. So how can we make nature and our health our priority?

21 May 2020

Behind the scenes at our centres

Behind the scenes at our centres

If you’re wondering what our favourite residents are up to during lockdown, here’s a sneak peek from those busy taking care of the animals. If you’re missing the cheeky antics of our otters or the welcoming peck of a goose you’re in for a treat…

19 May 2020

Welcome home! Black-tailed godwits return to WWT Welney

Welcome home! Black-tailed godwits return to WWT Welney

It seems that home really is where the heart is, even if you’re a black-tailed godwit. With good numbers already returning to Project Godwit sites this year, the future looks bright for these iconic waders.

19 May 2020

Can a wetland bring a dead lake back to life?

Can a wetland bring a dead lake back to life?

Find out how PhD student Olly Van Biervliet turned a polluted shallow lake into a thriving, healthy ecosystem using a constructed wetland for wastewater treatment. It now boasts a vast and growing range of biodiversity.

19 May 2020

While humans are away, the birds put on a display

While humans are away, the birds put on a display

Wildlife courtship displays can be dazzling to watch. From dances to poses, here are some wetland courtship displays to look out for this spring.

14 May 2020

Which wetland birds migrate to the UK in spring?

Which wetland birds migrate to the UK in spring?

Have you ever noticed how many different birds there are in spring? Every year a huge biodiversity of bird life migrates to the UK's wetlands, from water-loving raptors like the osprey to the bird with the longest migration in the world.

3 May 2020

Your window on wetland wildlife - April 2020

Your window on wetland wildlife - April 2020

Since lockdown began we’ve been working hard to bring nature to you. Our social media channels have been full of the hum and buzz of spring on our reserves. It’s a great way for you at home to feel connected to the wetland nature we're missing.

2 May 2020

Identifying common bird calls at home

Identifying common bird calls at home

Get to know common birdsong this International Dawn Chorus Day

30 April 2020

UK crane population reaches its highest level for over 400 years

UK crane population reaches its highest level for over 400 years

Crane numbers are a 400-year high thanks to to a conservation partership between charities.

22 April 2020

Wildlife on Lockdown: keeping WWT nature reserves going

Wildlife on Lockdown: keeping WWT nature reserves going

Even though business as usual has ground to a halt, spring wildlife across our sites is in full swing. Emma Hutchins, our Head of Reserves, shares the challenges of continuing under lockdown conditions.

15 April 2020