WWT London Wetland Centre

WWT London Wetland Centre

WWT London Wetland Centre
Queen Elizabeth's Walk
Barnes
Richmond upon Thames
London
SW13 9WT

Tel: 0208 409 4412
Fax: 0208 409 4401
E-Mail: info.london@wwt.org.uk

Web: WWT London Wetland Centre

About WWT London Wetland Centre

WWT London Wetland Centre London is famous for its green spaces, but it’s a little known fact that the UK’s Favourite Nature Reserve is in the heart of the Capital.

WWT London Wetland Centre was awarded this accolade by the readers of Countryfile magazine and on a leisurely ramble around the Centre it’s easy to see why.

The pathways of this urban oasis meander amongst lakes, ponds, meadows and gardens. Every year, over 180 species of wild bird call in at the reserve; peregrines, red shank, shoveler and gadwall to name but a few. It is extraordinary to see lapwings guarding their chicks on the shingle islands, sand martins rearing their young in the nest bank and bitterns stalking through the reedbeds, all just 10 minutes from Hammersmith. But it’s not just birds that appreciate the various habitats. There is a thriving colony of water voles, lizards bask in the sunshine and dragonflies skim across the surface of the ponds. Bird enthusiasts can while away many a happy hour in the six hides dotted around the reserve. And amateur wildlife watchers will enjoy roaming the walkways spotting orchids, butterflies and frogs.

As well as the wildlife, there is also a spectacular array of ducks, swans and geese from around the globe in World Wetlands.

These colourful birds are not just beautiful, many of them – such as nenes and red breasted geese - are also the focus of WWT’s conservation work. Not only can you discover more about what threatens rare species, but there is also the chance to learn about a conservation success story in the otter enclosure. These mammals may be cute and entertaining to watch, but they also offer a valuable lesson in how a species can recover from the brink of extinction when a concerted effort it made.

WWT London Wetland Centre may be in the midst of one of the world’s great cities, but it offers a haven of tranquillity as soon as you enter. Join a free guided tour to discover how WWT created this city oasis from disused reservoirs, or join in a pond dipping session.

There are a couple of wetland-themed adventure play zones for the children, and once they have worn themselves out you can relax with a meal or a cuppa in the cafe.

All in all, WWT London Wetland Centre is a tranquil haven not just for wildlife, but for people too!

Don’t miss:

• The heated Observatory, for spectacular views over the main lake with the London skyline as a backdrop
• The delightful family of Asian Short Clawed otters
• The chance to see wildlife up close from the six hides – bring binoculars to enhance your experience, or hire some of ours
• Visit the sand martin nest bank to see the parents feeding their chicks live on CCTV
• Escape from the City among the ponds and reedbeds in Wildside
• See exotic wildfowl from around the globe in World Wetlands
• Explore and the Discovery Centre play zones for children
• The 360 degree views across the 105 acre reserve from the 3 storey Peacock Tower
• Relax in the gardens, a riot of colour from spring until autumn
• Join in with a vast array of events and activities, from photography courses to family arts & crafts sessions
• Enjoy a drink, snack or meal in the cafe and take home a souvenir from the gift shop
• Easy accessibility for wheelchairs and plenty of benches where you can rest.

Picture credit to Ross Paxton