The London Wetland Centre is providing a glimmer of hope for European wildlife, following a continent-wide report on the state and health of nature.
The European Commission report found that nearly half (48 per cent) of all bird species are declining or depleted, and that the status of nearly two thirds (60 per cent) of all types of wildlife is unfavourable. It said: "The conservation status of and trends for habitats are worse than for species", with three quarters (77 per cent) described as unfavourable. Wetlands are picked out as being particularly hard hit because of the impact of drainage and of agriculture. Europe has lost more than two thirds of its wetlands, they now cover only about two per cent of the Continent.
Wetlands, however, are among the world's most wildlife-rich habitats and the report highlights that conservation work there can make a noticeable difference. Britain has a prime example in the shape of the London Wetland Centre WWT in Barnes, Middlesex/Gtr London, where the number of species is actually increasing. WWT: London Wetland Centre sets and example to Europe (2015).
Although wetlands are one of the most damaged landscapes, they are also one of the most repairable. The wetland habitat that is now London, had all but disappeared, The London Wetland Centre has demonstrated that it is possible to rebuild healthy wetlands to attract species back to the capital, with plant species increasing from 192 - 440 species and the Bittern returning to the 42 acre site to feed and roost among the reeds.
The WWT has repaired and rebuilt similar habitats including those in Arundel, West Sussex, Llanelli, Dyfed, Slimbridge and Welney.
The site in Barnes, has 30 habitats which include wet grassland, grazing marsh, immature woodland, and shingle islands each habitat is maintained to ensure optimum conditions for the wildlife. There is also provision for the less abled with great access and spacious hides with large windows and great vantage points.
The site in Barnes, has 30 habitats which include wet grassland, grazing marsh, immature woodland, and shingle islands each habitat is maintained to ensure optimum conditions for the wildlife. There is also provision for the less abled with great access and spacious hides with large windows and great vantage points.
The centre has SSSI status with introduced water voles beginning to recolonise areas outside the reserve, the site also attracts over 600 butterfly and moth species (WWT: London Wetland Centre sets and example to Europe 2015).
Whilst staying in London, I am hoping to visit the Barnes site over the next few weeks, with a new blog of personal images to follow..
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