WWT

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We are WWT, the wetland charity. We restore wetlands and unlock their power.

16/10/2026

Time may change us, but some things remain. 🦆

While our wetlands may look a little different than they did 80 years ago, they’re still looked after with the same care, attention, and innovation, as ever.

From our humble beginnings as one reserve, developed by our founder, Sir Peter Scott, to now managing ten incredible wetlands across the UK – boasting mosaics of saltmarsh, freshwater habitats, lagoons, ponds, knitted together with paths and walkways to see the species that call them home, all up close. 🌿

Here’s to the next 80 years. 💛

[Image descriptions:
Image 1: Sir Peter Scott constructing a curved wooden frame of a tunnel. Text says ‘Looks like I’m growing…’ and 'year 1'.
Image 2: A person wearing waders stands in the same wetland area as the previous photo tending to the plants, the covering is now made of metal. Text says: ‘I’m growing up beside you’ and ‘year 80’.]

09/10/2026

Over 700,000 votes for wetland species! You did that! 🐸🦅🦋

While no wetland species made the cut for the next series of wildlife banknotes, we couldn’t be more thrilled to see nature taking centre stage.

To everyone who backed wetland wildlife, we appreciate you. And to everyone who took the time to vote in the Bank of England's consultation - you've done something amazing. You've helped to bring the incredible Atlantic puffin, barn owl, buff-tailed bumblebee and European hedgehog to future £5, £10, £20 and £50 notes. 💷

Nature isn’t a competition. A win for wildlife is a win for all of us. 💛

06/10/2026

Every single person has an important part to play. 💛

Whether you’re helping survey plants in a saltmarsh, volunteering at our admissions desks or sat in a hide patiently waiting for the ultimate sightings, you’re incredible.

As we celebrate our 80th anniversary this year, let’s hear it for all the people – staff, volunteers, members, partners, trustees and donors – who have and continue to make WWT an incredible and impactful charity, doing good for wetlands and for the planet.

Discover the amazing people that make WWT possible here: https://www.wwt.org.uk/discover-wetlands/blog/our-present-the-people-who-make-wwt

[Image description: An aerial view of WWT Steart Marshes boardwalk in the sun. Text says: ‘“I love nature. I love the quietness. I love the sound of birds. But it's the people who make me smile every time.” - Ben, volunteer at WWT Steart Marshes’.]

05/10/2026

How do birds deal with more extreme weather? 🌧️

As autumn brings a change in season and weather, birds have to adapt again to the ever changing climate. But they don’t have raincoats or wellies, they rely on taking cover to last out the storm or move around with the weather finding shelter or moving around with different weather.

Find out more about the incredible ways birds adapt to changing weather: https://www.wwt.org.uk/discover-wetlands/blog/can-birds-survive-devastating-storms

[Image description: A mute swan floats on a pond in the rain, a duck is in the foreground just out of focus.]

01/10/2026

Hands up, who’s excited for what sightings October will bring 🙋

[Image description: A flock of lapwing with black and white wings flying against a clear blue sky.]

29/09/2026

Did you know that fleabane has a past very closely related to its name? 🪴

It’s a wetland plant that loves damp places, and it used to be dried and used in homes to help drive away insect pests.

[Image description: Cluster of bright yellow fleabane flowers blooming surrounded by green foliage.]

24/09/2026

It was a chilly December morning in the year 1945. A man called Peter quietly watched a flock of geese on the banks of the River Severn. 🪿

He watched them from afar; their grey feathers, speckles of white glistening against the winter sunshine, their heads bobbing as they fed in the shallow, cool waters. And he had an idea.

“I should set up a wildlife sanctuary.”

Little did he know then, that his idea would turn into an 80-year legacy. And counting. 💛

Now 10 nature-bursting wetland centres that welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, WWT is THE wetland charity.

☕ Grab a cuppa and take five minutes to read more about WWT’s founder, Sir Peter Scott, and the story of how we got where we are today... https://www.wwt.org.uk/discover-wetlands/blog/our-history-reflections-on-80-years-of-wetland-conservation

[Video description: Text says: ‘POV: you’re just standing here with the cute geese and you’re wondering how a wetland sanctuary even starts’. A pov angle of geese close to the camera, slowly panning upwards to show the Sloane Observation Tower in Slimbridge and the wetlands. After this, black and white video footage of Sir Peter Scott sketching by the waters edge, interacting with swans, a close up of a swans face, water shimmering in the sun and Sir Peter Scott throwing feed.]

23/09/2026

After spending the summer in Iceland, pink-footed geese will now be heading south across the Atlantic. 🪿 Towards the end of September and into October, huge flocks of these birds will start being seen at WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre, WWT Caerlaverock Wetland Centre, and WWT Welney Wetland Centre.

[Image description: A flock of pink-footed geese fly across a pale blue sky, sunlight highlighting their wings and bodies.]

14/09/2026

Helping children discover the wonders of wetlands – up close 🌿

WWT’s nature connection programme, Generation Wild, has provided thousands of children and families with access to nature, creating lasting and meaningful experiences through spending time outdoors and exploring wildlife.

Thanks to a generous donation from our partners, SWAROVSKI OPTIK Birding, Generation Wild group leaders at WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre and WWT London Wetland Centre now have two pairs of CL Companion binoculars to use during visits, encouraging children to notice and appreciate the natural world around them. These binoculars are in addition to the 15 pairs of MY Junior binoculars Swarovski Optik donated in 2025.

From watching birds overhead to studying the delicate details of a dragonfly’s wings, the binoculars will create even more memorable moments for children and families visiting our wetlands.💚

[Image description: Close-up of hands holding Swarovski Optik binoculars with a patterned wrist strap outdoors.]

09/09/2026

A bit boggier and a bit soggier? Count us in. 💧

Like so many cities, Bristol’s waterways are struggling under the pressure of climate change. But, its rich history with water means it is uniquely placed to lead the UK’s Wetland City movement.

Bristol has a long history with water. Over the years, it grew from a fort settlement into the vibrant city it is today. With more than 100 miles of waterways through the city, it’s perched right on the edge of the Severn Estuary which is home to the world’s second-largest tidal range. And as the city changed, its wetlands did too.

Now it’s time to let water back in and get things a little more… squishy. 🌱

Building on and supporting incredible existing community projects, we, in partnership with Aviva have launched Wetland Cities, that aims to make our cities ready to welcome the water back in, in ways that deliver benefits for us all.

Find out how by visiting wwt.org.uk/wetland-cities

Thanks to the wonderful words of Mark De’Lisser, the message is being heard loud and clear. Let’s get squishier.

[Video description: A person (Mark De’Lisser) speaks to camera, spliced in between content showing the variety of incredible projects taking place in Bristol within the community. There are also colourful scenes of Bristol’s waterways and famous architecture weaved into the video, showing the diversity of life found in wetlands. Towards the end, the community already working with the wetlands in Bristol are smiling towards the camera, before a long shot of the Clifton Suspension Bridge. This then cuts to an outtake where Mark is playfully dancing and talking to someone off screen before the video finishes.]

Address

Newgrounds Lane, Bowditch
Slimbridge
GL27BT

Telephone

+441453891900

Website

https://www.wwt.org.uk/

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