New wildlife walk gives exclusive access to Ouse washes
Get closer to wetlands and wildlife at WWT Welney Wetland Centre
Last weekend we opened the summer walk to visitors, allowing the only access out into the Ouse washes.
The meandering grassy path is only open from June – September and gives visitors the chance to really absorb the sights, sounds and smells of wetlands in the Fens.
Wetlands are under threat; they are a vulnerable habitat which has been disappearing at an alarming rate for decades.
Wetlands such as the Ouse washes play an important role in water storage but are susceptible to flooding. During the summer, the water levels are normally much lower and it is at these times that visitors can take advantage of this area. They can enjoy getting closer to dragonflies zipping along the waterways, seeing the riot of colours of the wetland flowers in bloom and being surrounded by a wetland orchestra as warblers burst into song.
Emma Brand, Events & Marketing Officer for WWT Welney Wetland Centre says:
‘We have such a fantastic summer offering for visitors. The Southern section of the reserve is the ideal place to relax and unwind whatever the weather.
The summer walk gives you the chance to explore the further reaches of the reserve in search of wildlife or to enjoy a leisurely stroll at your own pace. From this vantage point you get a real sense of the scale of this incredibly important nature reserve.
Combined with a visit to the dragonfly ponds to connect with nature close at hand or the reedbed hide which offers beautiful, panoramic views across the Ouse washes, an afternoon here can melt away your troubles.’
There will be walks led by wardens in July and August to find out more about this special area of the reserve with the following topics:
Dragonfly walks; 1-2pm on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays in July, click here for more information
Wildflower walks; 1-2pm on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays in August, click here for more information
Or you can enjoy the summer walk at your own pace as part of a visit to WWT Welney Wetland Centre, click here for more information. The visitor centre and reserve are open daily 9.30am – 5pm.
