News

DAERA Minister Edwin Poots MLA visits Castle Espie

DAERA Minister Edwin Poots MLA visits Castle Espie

DAERA Minister Edwin Poots has visited the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) Centre at Castle Espie, County Down, to see their work in biodiversity and protecting the natural environment.

12 November 2020

Rising temperatures are triggering changed responses in animal populations in the Arctic, new data shows

Rising temperatures are triggering changed responses in animal populations in the Arctic, new data shows

The Arctic is in the process of entering a new ecological phase, which potentially carries a huge cost for humanity. WWT have taken part in a global study to shed light on how climate change might be affecting high Arctic species.

5 November 2020

Impact of lockdowns on our sites

Impact of lockdowns on our sites

Following the UK Government’s announcement of a four week lockdown in England we have now received clarification on how the regulations will affect WWT sites.

4 November 2020

First ever sighting of Cattle Egret recorded at Castle Espie Wetland Centre

First ever sighting of Cattle Egret recorded at Castle Espie Wetland Centre

It’s that time of year when we see thousands of birds arrive on the shores of Strangford Lough from Northern and Eastern Europe, seeking milder winter weather. What might yet become the highlight of this year’s migration season is the first ever sighting

26 October 2020

Nights, camera, action! Device to record voyaging eels during hours of darkness installed at Gloucestershire reserve marking World Fish Migration Day

Nights, camera, action! Device to record voyaging eels during hours of darkness installed at Gloucestershire reserve marking World Fish Migration Day

A new acoustic camera has been fitted at WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre to monitor eels embarking on their epic migratory voyage.

24 October 2020

WWT Wetland Centres to welcome back schools

WWT Wetland Centres to welcome back schools

WWT Wetland Centres will open their doors to school pupils from December 1. Forced to close their doors to such excursions in March, the conservation charity is pleased to be able to once again help children reconnect with nature in a safe and secure en

19 October 2020

Famous artist’s work up for auction to raise money for spoon-billed sandpipers

Famous artist’s work up for auction to raise money for spoon-billed sandpipers

Internationally renowned bird sculptor, Guy Taplin, whose works have been snapped up by the likes of Michael Palin and Jacqueline Onassis, is selling one of his bird sculptures to help WWT save the spoon-billed sandpiper.

15 October 2020

WWT receives cash boost from Disney Conservation Fund to continue to improve wetlands for people and wildlife in Madagascar

WWT receives cash boost from Disney Conservation Fund to continue to improve wetlands for people and wildlife in Madagascar

UK charity WWT has been awarded a $49,600 grant by the Disney Conservation Fund (DCF) for its work to save the world’s rarest duck, the Madagascar pochard. The conservation charity has been working in the northern regions of the island to restore a vast

15 October 2020

Fall for nature’s spectacle at WWT Castle Espie this Autumn

Fall for nature’s spectacle at WWT Castle Espie this Autumn

Just as wetlands offer sanctuary to thousands of animals over the colder months, they also make the perfect place to safely escape the everyday and appreciate one of nature’s greatest shows - autumn.

14 October 2020

Fall for nature’s spectacle at WWT wetland centres this autumn

Fall for nature’s spectacle at WWT wetland centres this autumn

Just as wetlands offer sanctuary to thousands of animals over the colder months, they also make the perfect place to safely escape the everyday and appreciate one of nature’s greatest shows - autumn. For our wetlands, it is a spectacular time of year.

29 September 2020

Our response to the UN’s GBO-5 report: Humanity at a crossroads

Our response to the UN’s GBO-5 report: Humanity at a crossroads

Summary The Global Biodiversity Outlook 5 (GBO-5) report, published by the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) on 15 September, offers an authoritative overview of the state of nature now. It is a school report on the world’s progress in meet

16 September 2020

Living Planet Report shows a dramatic decline in freshwater species - giving more urgency to implement Emergency Recovery Plan

Living Planet Report shows a dramatic decline in freshwater species - giving more urgency to implement Emergency Recovery Plan

A key element of the 2020 Living Planet Report's Freshwater Deep Dive, this scientific paper outlines a revolutionary plan to reverse the rapid decline in the world’s freshwater species and habitats while protecting our life support systems.

10 September 2020

Our response to the State of the Environment speech

Our response to the State of the Environment speech

In response to Sir James Bevan's speech today at the launch of the Environment Agency's State of the Environment report, WWT's Director of Conservation, Dr James Robinson said: Sir James is right to say investing in a healthy environment is about t

8 September 2020

EU countries choose health over poison in historic vote to ban lead shot in wetlands

EU countries choose health over poison in historic vote to ban lead shot in wetlands

A huge leap towards ending the suffering of millions of waterbirds from lead poisoning has been taken following a momentous vote to ban lead shot in and around wetlands.

4 September 2020

The only black-winged stilts to hatch in the UK this year have successfully fledged in Somerset

The only black-winged stilts to hatch in the UK this year have successfully fledged in Somerset

A trio of black-winged stilt chicks have flown the nest at WWT Steart Marshes, where to the disbelief of conservationists, they hatched last month. This is the first time the rare wader has ever nested at the reserve and it is the most western point in

25 August 2020