On World Wetlands Day on Thursday 2 February the London Wetland Centre is encouraging Londoners to explore its 105 acres of blissful nature reserve and find out about of the vital importance of wetlands.

Wetlands are the unsung heroes of the climate crises, locking away huge amounts of carbon whilst providing homes for a diverse range of habitats. However, Currently only 45% of people in the UK know what a wetland is. In London, the London Wetland Centre is a hidden gem located just off the River Thames in Barnes and many Londoners aren’t even aware that it exists. First-time visitors are often very surprised by the scale and size of the centre especially as it’s so close to the city. When David Attenborough opened the centre in 2000, he said: “It’s sensational, an extra lung for Londoners, and right in the middle of London.”

The importance of Wetlands

Wetlands occur where water meets land. They include ponds, streams, rain gardens, rivers, lakes, estuaries, marshes and wet woodlands. Wetlands help us slow down climate change by naturally absorbing and storing vast amounts of carbon. They are also one of the world’s most biodiverse habitats. They provide homes for many endangered species, offer a lifeline for freshwater species and act as vital ‘service stations’ for millions of migratory birds to rest and refuel.

However, 90% of wetlands have been destroyed in England alone, swallowed up by urban and agricultural development. Worldwide, wetlands are disappearing three times faster than forests. Because of these alarming statistics, urban wetlands like the London Wetland Centre, become ever more important.

An stunning nature reserve – right in the centre of London

Once consisting of defunct, concrete-lined Victorian reservoirs, London’s first large-scale, man-made, inner city wetlands is now a thriving wildlife haven and nature reserve, just off the River Thames. Visitors are surrounded by wildlife found nowhere else in London including species of butterflies, dragonflies, bees, moths, beetles, bats, frogs, fish, birds, plant life, fungi and more.

The first Bearded Tit for a few winters has just turned up – so often a species that moves around in response to cold weather to try and find some feeding grounds. A new pair of cranes has also recently joined the centre. Your first encounter with cranes takes your breath away. They’re tall with huge wings. They’re loud and sociable. They dance and, when they call to each other, you can hear it for miles! And the London Wetland Centre has seen the highest count of Shovelers in many years, over 150, part of the nationally significant wintering population that stays at the centre every year.

While on site visitors can discover the importance of wetland habitats and enjoy the many features of the reserve, including daily wildlife talks, the big view observatory and six bird-spotting hides.

Throughout February, there is a range of activities for visitors to immerse themselves in the wetlands and connect with nature, including half term activities for the whole family, like the Big Hideout, and wildlife photography workshops.

The Big Hide Out : It’s amazing what wildlife you can see when you hide in the right place. During half-term, bird hides will become hideouts where families can take hiding to a whole new level with lots of activities to have a go at. In addition, children will be able to make nests, build a bird hide, get caked in mud in the mud kitchen, and follow a bird trail.

And for anyone who’s been inspired by the Wetlands and how they help fight climate change, The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) which runs the London Wetlands Centre is providing tips and inspiration so people can create their own wetlands at home, and help manage flooding and support biodiversity. https://www.wwt.org.uk/discover-wetlands/gardening-for-wetlands