Blog

Freedom for fish in the Severn Vale after old waterways restored as part of 1.3m project

Freedom for fish in the Severn Vale after old waterways restored as part of 1.3m project

Struggling salmon, and a wide range of other fish species, will now have improved passage along the River Frome following the rewetting of an old channel at Bond’s Mill in Stonehouse, Gloucestershire.

8 July 2019

Why the once common European eel is now Critically Endangered (and what can be done about it)

Why the once common European eel is now Critically Endangered (and what can be done about it)

Author and marine biologist Helen Scales explores the plight of the European eel, once so numerous but now critically endangered. WWT conservationists have come up with a few solutions to give eels a helping hand

14 June 2019

Wildlife ID guide: what species lives in a pond?

Wildlife ID guide: what species lives in a pond?

Did you know that ponds are havens for a huge range of aquatic invertebrates, amphibians and more? Find out more about how to identify the huge biodiversity of pond life when you next go pond dipping.

12 June 2019

Make a Crane!

Make a Crane!

One of the most famous origami models is the paper crane. In Japanese folklore, the crane is said to live for a thousand years. Read on for simple instruction on how to make a paper crane, and take the WWT #CraneChallenge

10 June 2019

Spring photography tips: how to get the best shots of new life

Spring photography tips: how to get the best shots of new life

Spring is a fantastic time of the year for photographers. As the days lengthen and the temperature starts to warm, learn how WWT reserve warden Arron Roberts photograph new life and a plethora of colourful subjects.

29 May 2019

Spotlight on: the European otter (and how to see them in the wild)

Spotlight on: the European otter (and how to see them in the wild)

Otters are secretive, fascinating and adorable creatures, but why do we never see them? Find out more about otters, where otters live in the UK and what to do for the best chance of seeing them in the wild.

24 May 2019

The chips are down! Miracle birds hatched from ‘muddy potato’ eggs return thousands of miles to rearing site

The chips are down! Miracle birds hatched from ‘muddy potato’ eggs return thousands of miles to rearing site

Rare black-tailed godwits hand-reared at WWT Welney after their eggs were freed from muddy farmland have flown thousands of miles home for summer.

23 May 2019

Water voles vs. rats: how to tell the difference

Water voles vs. rats: how to tell the difference

Have you ever seen a small furry body swimming along, and not been sure if it's a water vole or a rat? This quick guide highlights the key differences between the species.

22 May 2019

How different birds build their nests and rear their young

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

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?

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

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

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

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?

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