Wildfowl & Wetland Trust

Today I renewed my membership of the Wildfowl & Wetland Trust (WWT). This organisation was founded in the UK in 1946 by the late Sir Peter Scott and is one of the world’s largest and most respected wetland conservation organisations working globally to safeguard and improve wetlands for wildlife and people.

When Sir Peter Scott founded the WWT, his ideas were unique. He was the first to recognise the wisdom of the combined approach of taking action to save wetlands and their wildlife, while encouraging the public to care about the natural world. He also pioneered the notion that conservation education should be uplifting and fun for people of all ages - that wetlands are places to enjoy as well as to respect. Sir Peter's principles remain at the core of WWT's work and are central to our future plans. The WWT complements wetland conservation work carried out worldwide with a network of UK visitor centres comprising 2,600 hectares of globally important wetland habitat. (Source: WWT website)

Peacock Tower at WWT London. MAE © 2011

So far, I have visited WWT London many times but WWT Arundel only once. And every time it is a mere pleasure to perambulate from bird hide to bird hide, of course with the camera close by, and enjoy the birdlife through all the seasons. It was in WWT London that I saw the Common Teal for the first time. During a little boat trip in WWT Arundel you can see the delicate but beautiful Water Voles peeping their heads outside the reeds, to see who is on board.

The best example of the conservation work that the WWT does must be the saving of the Madagascar pochard. Until recently, the Madagascar Pochard was believed extinct, the last sighting having been in 1991. In November 2006, however, staff from the Peregrine Fund (TPF), rediscovered the species on a small lake ‘the red lake’ near Bemanevika, 300 km north of the last known site; 20 mature birds and possibly nine ducklings were reported at the end of 2006.
Despite numerous logistical difficulties this proved successful, and at the end of 2009 three clutches had been successfully hatched with over 20 ducklings reared and held in temporary accommodation in advance of the construction of a conservation breeding centre. Project staff maintain a constant presence at the red lake to ensure protection of the birds and the lakes and surrounding forest have been submitted for designation as a protected area (Source: WWT website).

As a tribute to this wonderful organisation, I have posted some of my pictures, taken in one of the two aforementioned visitor centres. Next stop, as far as I am concerned: WWT Slimbridge, the first centre that Sir Peter Scott opened.

Red-breasted Geese at WWT Arundel. MAE © 2012

Many Cormorants, Grey Herons and and various gulls at WWT London. MAE © 2013

Eider ducks in their save enclosure at WWT London. MAE © 2013

One of the islands at WWT London in full bloom. MAE © 2011