Get involved in a wetlands bioblitz
Reconnect with nature on World Wetlands Day
Join us for a unique opportunity to help with wildlife surveys which will feed into the conservation work that WWT Welney Wetland Centre is so important for.
World Wetlands Day is chance to recognise the importance of this type of habitat and its benefits not only for wildlife but for us humans too, all around the world.
We will be conducting the first ever small mammal survey on Lady Fen; an area of wetlands that were recreated from arable farmland six years ago. Visitors can meet staff and local experts at the centre at 7am to go out and check the traps for shrews, voles and mice. (Booking is advisable for this activity as there are limited places).
Throughout the day there will be a chance to meet local bird ringers at the centre and observe them recording and ringing any birds caught from 10am – 2pm. They will have demonstration equipment on site as well to show visitors how and why ringing is important for research, even on some of our most common species.
Join us for guided walks at 11am and 1pm to find out about how farming and conservation can work together and see some of the hares boxing. Watch a commentated wild swan feed at 12noon, 3.30pm or 6.30pm to find out about why the relationship between farmland and wetlands is so important for our winter visitors. Or try your hand at potato printing and owl pellet dissection 2.30-3.15pm in the visitor centre.
Sam Lee, Public Engagement Officer, says:
‘Wetlands are one of the most biodiverse habitats on earth. They are home to more wildlife and plant species than any other habitat, yet few people realise just how important they are even for us humans. Wetlands provide ‘ecosystem services’ which we rely on and take for granted such as filtering water, flood protection, food, raw materials and carbon storage.
Visitors can not only get closer to nature with the activities that we are putting on to celebrate World Wetlands Day but they can enjoy the sense of wellbeing that connecting with wildlife and being outside in a beautiful landscape can offer’.
During World Wetlands Day staff at the centre will be posting updates of the findings onto the WWT Welney facebook and twitter pages and will encourage visitors to do the same.
For more information on World Wetlands Day at WWT Welney, including times of activities, click here or contact the centre on 01353 860711.
