WWT London Wetland Centre
WWT London Wetland Centre is a significant urban wetland reserve located in southwest London, England, established in 2000. It occupies over 100 acres of land converted from Victorian reservoirs and is managed by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust. The centre is notable for providing habitat to unique wild bird populations, including nationally significant numbers of gadwall and northern shoveler, and was recognized as Britain's Favourite Nature Reserve in 2012.
Key Facts
- ›Opened in May 2000, making it the UK's first urban wetland project of its kind.
- ›Covers more than 100 acres (40 hectares) of land, formerly disused Victorian reservoirs.
- ›An area of 29.9 hectares was designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest as the Barn Elms Wetland Centre in 2002.
- ›Home to wild birds not found elsewhere in London, including nationally significant numbers of gadwall and northern shoveler.
- ›Voted Britain's Favourite Nature Reserve in the BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards in 2012.
- ›Received 190,206 visitors in 2019.
Gadwall, Northern Shoveler, Eurasian Bittern, Northern Pintail, Northern Lapwing, Water Rail, Ring-Necked Parakeet, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Sand Martin, Common Kingfisher, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe
Preserving Britain's Wetland Animals
About WWT London Wetland Centre
WWT London Wetland Centre is a significant urban nature reserve located in the Barnes area of southwest London, England. Managed by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, the centre was established in May 2000, making it the United Kingdom's first urban project of its kind.
History and Development
The centre occupies over 100 acres of land that was formerly a site of four disused Victorian reservoirs. These reservoirs were transformed into a diverse array of wetland habitats before the centre's opening. In 2002, a substantial portion of the site, measuring 29.9 hectares, was designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest under the name Barn Elms Wetland Centre.
Wildlife and Significance
WWT London Wetland Centre is renowned for its rich avian population. It provides a sanctuary for numerous wild birds, some of which are not found anywhere else in London. The reserve hosts nationally significant numbers of species such as the gadwall and northern shoveler. Other notable bird species observed include the Eurasian bittern, northern pintail, northern lapwing, water rail, ring-necked parakeet, Eurasian sparrowhawk, sand martin, common kingfisher, little grebe, and great crested grebe. In addition to wildfowl, the centre maintains a collection of captive wildfowl.
Public Engagement and Recognition
The centre actively engages the public through regular lectures and events focused on the preservation of Britain's wetland animals. Its unique environment and wildlife were featured on the BBC television programme Seven Natural Wonders in 2005, highlighting the region's parakeets. The site also features a large visitors' building that is occasionally utilized as a wedding venue. In recognition of its importance and appeal, WWT London Wetland Centre was voted Britain's Favourite Nature Reserve in the BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards in 2012. The reserve welcomed 190,206 visitors in 2019.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is WWT London Wetland Centre?
WWT London Wetland Centre is a managed wetland reserve in southwest London, England, established in 2000. It was created from disused Victorian reservoirs and is managed by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust.
How large is the WWT London Wetland Centre?
The centre occupies more than 100 acres (40 hectares) of land. A portion of this, 29.9 hectares, is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
What kind of wildlife can be seen at the WWT London Wetland Centre?
The centre is home to many wild birds, including species not found elsewhere in London, such as nationally significant numbers of gadwall and northern shoveler. It also holds a collection of captive wildfowl.
Has the WWT London Wetland Centre received any awards?
Yes, in 2012, WWT London Wetland Centre was voted Britain's Favourite Nature Reserve in the BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards.
When did the WWT London Wetland Centre open?
The centre first opened its doors in May 2000.
What is significant about the WWT London Wetland Centre's location?
It is located in the Barnes area of southwest London, within a loop in the Thames, and is noted as the United Kingdom's first urban project of its kind.
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