{"id":23769,"date":"2023-02-05T07:41:38","date_gmt":"2023-02-05T06:41:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/?p=134852"},"modified":"2023-02-05T09:35:37","modified_gmt":"2023-02-05T08:35:37","slug":"day-out-wwt-london-wetland-centre-london","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/rss_feed\/day-out-wwt-london-wetland-centre-london\/","title":{"rendered":"Day out: WWT London Wetland Centre, London"},"content":{"rendered":"

As you explore the weaving trails of this wetland reserve, it is easy to feel as though you are in the middle of a wilderness despite being in the shadow of central London. <\/p>

By David Lindo\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Sunday, 05 February 2023 at 12:00 am<\/p>

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The London Wetland Centre<\/a> is the embodiment of what you can achieve through urban rewilding. It is a remarkable achievement of naturalised landscaping featuring that all important giver of life \u2013 water.<\/p>\n

It all began 25 years ago when the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust<\/a> proposed to convert four square bland-looking redundant reservoir basins into a wetland wonderland for nature and people. All under the watchful eye of their founder; the late and definitely great Sir Peter Scott.<\/p>\n

Looking for more Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust\u00a0reserves? Check out our guides to Welney<\/a>, Caerlaverock<\/a> and Steart Marshes<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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London Wetland Centre in summer\/Credit: Geograph<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

London Wetland Centre location<\/h2>\n

Situated on a north-facing bend of the Thames, the area has long attracted birds using the river to migrate<\/a> and in particular waterfowl and waders<\/a> such as avocet and black-tailed godwits.<\/p>\n

Also known locally as Barnes Wetlands, the site covers some 100 acres (40 hectares). To wander around its many paths that encompasses wet woodland, wet meadows and the wetlands itself is a joy.<\/p>\n

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London Wetland Centre offers visitors and residents of London a wild refuge away from the clamour of the city\/Credit: Geograph<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

London Wetland Centre sightings<\/h2>\n

Over 180 bird species are recorded annually ranging from glamourous kingfishers<\/a> to waterfowl like herons<\/a>, little egrets and tufted ducks<\/a>. The area is famous for its water voles<\/a> too.<\/p>\n

There are six hides around the site that are perfect for photographing wildlife<\/a> or just as a place to relax and watch the natural world.<\/p>\n

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The little egret is one of 180 bird species to live at London Wetland Centre\/Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

A visit in spring will yield plenty of species like the returning sand martins fresh in from Africa hawking over the water for insects.<\/p>\n

Migrant warblers like blackcaps, willow warblers and chiffchaffs will be in full song in the riparian woodlands, whilst in the reeds will be chorusing reed and sedge warblers sonically blending in with the resident and explosively loud Cetti\u2019s warblers.<\/p>\n

The glorious great crested grebes will be conducting their famous head-wagging ruff-flaying displays. Oh, what joy spring brings!<\/p>\n

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Migrant warblers such as blackcaps visit the reserve in\u00a0spring\/Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

But the others seasons are just as fruitful. In the summer it is possible to watch hobbys chasing dragonflies<\/a> whilst during the autumn, there is always the possibility of happening across a ring ouzel \u2013 a scarce migrant in London.<\/p>\n

In winter the duck<\/a> numbers build and there is the chance of discovering the reserve\u2019s most famous denizen \u2013 the bittern<\/a>!<\/p>\n

Britain\u2019s best nature reserves for walks and wildlife<\/h4>\n

Explore meadows, wetlands, ancient woodlands, moorland, heathlands, coast and mountains at Britain\u2019s nature reserves. Here is our guide to the UK\u2019s best nature reserves, and the best wildlife to spot.<\/p>\n