News

Lead shot ban on knife-edge

Lead shot ban on knife-edge

The future of lead shot in the EU is on a knife-edge after several countries indicated that they will abstain or vote against a ban of its use in wetlands. Lead is one of the WHO’s ten most toxic human poisons, and kills a million waterbirds a year.

26 June 2020

The European lead ammunition scandal: the questions that need answering

The European lead ammunition scandal: the questions that need answering

Why is key vote on lead ammuniation repeatedy delayed?

18 June 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

Martin Spray steps down as Chief Executive today after 16 years of service at WWT.

Martin Spray steps down as Chief Executive today after 16 years of service at WWT.

WWT’s Chief Executive Martin Spray has retired from his role, ending a 32-year career in the conservation sector. Mr Spray called it a ‘privilege’ to have led WWT, and after watching it grow in ‘confidence, ambition, influence and profile’ in t

11 May 2020

Protecting our Bewick’s on the Tundra despite the global lockdown

Protecting our Bewick’s on the Tundra despite the global lockdown

While the world's population is in lockdown, nature is suffering no such restrictions. Bewick's swans Elroy and Hope, have recently been spotted off the Gulf of Finland as they complete the final leg of their epic 2,500 mile migration.

4 May 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

Huge nature, wellbeing and climate cost of coronavirus

Huge nature, wellbeing and climate cost of coronavirus

Environmental charities warn health of planet at risk from coronavirus impact

15 April 2020

Flamingos form firm friendships

Flamingos form firm friendships

Flamingos form friendships that last for years, new research shows.

14 April 2020

If we want to bring back farmland birds, restore a farmland pond, new research shows

If we want to bring back farmland birds, restore a farmland pond, new research shows

Researchers have shown that restored farmland ponds contained twice as many bird species and almost three times as many birds, compared to neighbouring unmanaged and overgrown ponds.

4 March 2020

WWT welcomes steps towards removing lead ammunition from the environment

WWT welcomes steps towards removing lead ammunition from the environment

WWT has welcomed a voluntary ban on the use of lead ammunition by UK shooting organisations. The new initiative means that hunters are expected to transition from lead ammunition in favour of non-toxic alternatives by 2025.

24 February 2020

Environment Minister and Taunton Deane MP visits UK’s largest wetland reserve to discover how wetlands can combat climate crisis

Environment Minister and Taunton Deane MP visits UK’s largest wetland reserve to discover how wetlands can combat climate crisis

Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Minister Rebecca Pow was given a tour of WWT Steart Marshes in north Somerset to find out how healthy wetlands can help people and wildlife adapt to climate change.

7 February 2020

Protecting biodiversity at WWT Steart Marshes

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

Make a Splash at WWT’s 2020 Puddle Jumping Championships  This February Half Term

Make a Splash at WWT’s 2020 Puddle Jumping Championships This February Half Term

This February half term, children and adults alike are being encouraged to grab their wellies, get outside and join in puddle jumping championships being held across the UK at WWT’s nine wetland centres, including Slimbridge (Gloucestershire), Martin Me

31 January 2020

Commit to saving wetlands to solve the biodiversity and climate crises this World Wetlands Day

Commit to saving wetlands to solve the biodiversity and climate crises this World Wetlands Day

WWT has joined a chorus of calls for greater reforms to save wetlands and avert the looming biodiversity and climate emergencies.

30 January 2020

WWT response to Environment Bill

WWT response to Environment Bill

WWT welcomes the speedy reintroduction of the Environment Bill into Parliament today, however this vital legislation must go further than simply bridging the gap in environmental protection and oversight that we have enjoyed as a Member State of the EU.To

30 January 2020