The Urban Birder

The London Wetland CentreA is an urban bird watcher's paradise; a 105 acre oasis of scenic walkways set amongst lakes and pools that are home to well over 100 species of birds, plus water voles, amphibians, reptiles, dragonflies and butterflies.

There are six hides dotted around the reserve where you can get up close and personal with seasonal favourites such as shovelers and shellduck as well as rarities such as bitterns, sand martins and little ringed plovers.

The centre is Europe's largest urban wildlife reserve and is an international awarding winning attraction. With numerous habitats — such as grazing marshes, reed beds and ponds — attracting a wide variety of birds, there is always something new to see throughout each season.

And for the lazy birders among you there is a collection of rare birds from around the world, such as red breasted geese, cranes and nenes, which are kept for conservation purposes.

The centre includes a viewing observatory and a café for lunch or tea and cakes to perk you up after a day's rigorous bird watching. And for the kids there are a couple of adventure areas where they can let off steam after a couple of hours of being on their best behaviour in the hides!

London Wetland Centre is in Barnes, south west London. Visit wwt.org.uk/london for details or call +44 (0)20 8409 4400.

Catherine Starling
Marketing & Communications Manager

WWT London Wetland Centre
Queen Elizabeth Walk
Barnes
London
SW13 9WT