News
The European eider
"Ow-woo!" Common Eider are so adorable... They are so big and fluffy with their chocolate brown down and so distinctive with that miniature replica of their adult beak that there is no mistaking them. Even as ducklings they emit that wonderful "ooh ooh" n
14 September 2011
Weather-beaten seabirds rescued off banks of the Severn
James lees about to release the Manx shearwaters by Mike Youdale Wardens at a nature reserve in Gloucestershire are keeping watch for injured seabirds after a number have been blown off course by the stormy weather. S
13 September 2011
Freckled ducks!
My current favourites (I know it changes!) are these wonderful Freckled duck. Foiled last year by the bizarre, dedicated and intrepid efforts of a broody Maccoa, Mrs. Freck finally got to incubate her own eggs! In 2010 her previous clutch was rolled pain
10 September 2011
Slimbridge named top British reserve
It’s official, we’re Britain’s finest nature reserve! Slimbridge Wetland Centre has been voted the top nature reserve in Britain. Staff at the centre in Gloucestershire are celebrating after it was picked by Countryfile magazine readers from a shor
2 September 2011
Eytons whistling duck nest
Every year it is my job along with the rest of the team to coerce our birds into breeding. We fill up aviaries with prime examples of species and provide all the necessary boxes and habitat to orchestrate the laying of eggs. Whilst these basics are stand
29 July 2011
Mother’s blind love for baby cuckoo
A juvenile cuckoo It is one of nature’s cruellest tricks: a tiny bird struggles to feed a large cuckoo believing it is her own. These incredible images of a reed warbler feeding a baby cuckoo were taken at Slimbridg
27 July 2011
Chelsea show garden heading for Slimbridge
Royal Bank of Canada today announced that a permanent home has been secured for the “RBC New Wild Garden” following its appearance at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2011. After starring at Chelsea, The RBC New Wild Garden will be moved to Slimbridge Wetl
16 May 2011
Nesting news
Spring has well and truly sprung at WWT Slimbridge. Species are so impressed by the weather that some very early clutches are being lovingly created in the undergrowth here there and everywhere. The African Yellowbills started the early egg trend on the 3
29 April 2011
Youngsters galore at Slimbridge
The pitter patter of tiny duck feet is getting rather loud at Slimbridge Wetland Centre after a busy week of hatching. Moorhen chick by Dominic Heard The last few days have seen a surge in numbers of young birds with ducklings, goslings and chicks taking
8 April 2011
Festival of Gardening at Slimbridge
From painting plant pots to learning what makes a good wildlife pond there is plenty to do at our Festival of Gardening this weekend. On Saturday and Sunday Slimbridge Wetland Centre will celebrate gardening with activities for adults and children runnin
14 March 2011
Cold weather failed to stop rare geese laying on time
It was a long harsh winter but the world’s rarest species of goose has been busy laying eggs at Slimbridge Wetland Centre. Aviculturists at the Centre had feared the cold weather would delay the Hawaiian geese from laying eggs. But their fears turned ou
4 March 2011
Tasty treat planned to cheer poorly otter
We can all remember how special our parents would make us feel when we were feeling poorly. They would make us our favourite foods and do anything to put a smile on our faces. So when one of John Crooks’ beloved otters at Slimbridge Wetland Centre had t
17 February 2011
Go on a date with a difference this Valentine’s Day
Love birds are being encouraged to go on a date with a difference to celebrate Valentine’s Day at Slimbridge Wetland Centre this year. There will be a special love trail at the Centre for families and couples to follow next month which will reveal some
27 January 2011
Celebrations as 'punk duck' numbers rocket
Conservationists in Gloucestershire are celebrating record numbers of a duck with a very unusual ‘hairstyle’. The Tufted duck gets its name from the way its feathers grow with a punk-rock style tuft of them sweeping down the back of its head. A whoppi
25 January 2011
Snowdrops and birdsong...is spring around the corner?
This cluster of beautiful snowdrops is just one of the signs that spring is round the corner in Gloucestershire. The wardens at Slimbridge Wetland Centre are always on the lookout for sights and sounds of the different seasons. Reserve warden James Lees t
20 January 2011