WWT London Wetland Centre facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
The entrance to the London Wetland Centre Visitors Centre and the statue of Peter Scott by Nicola Godden on the left
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| Area of Search | Greater London |
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| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 29.9 hectares |
| Notification | 2002 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
The WWT London Wetland Centre is a special place in southwest London, England. It's a huge nature reserve managed by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust. Imagine a big park where many different kinds of birds and other animals live! This centre is located in the Barnes area, right by the River Thames. It was built on four old reservoirs that were no longer used.
The centre first opened its doors in May 2000. Just two years later, in 2002, a large part of it (about 29.9 hectares) was officially named a Site of Special Scientific Interest. This means it's a very important area for nature and wildlife.
The London Wetland Centre covers more than 100 acres (which is about 40 hectares) of land. Before it became a nature reserve, this land had several small reservoirs. These were changed into many different types of wetland areas. This was the first project of its kind in a city in the United Kingdom.
Amazing Wildlife
Many wild birds now call the London Wetland Centre home. Some of these birds are hard to find anywhere else in London. For example, there are many gadwall and northern shoveler ducks here.
Other cool wild birds you might see include the Eurasian bittern and northern pintail. You might also spot a northern lapwing or a shy water rail. Look up for a ring-necked parakeet or a quick Eurasian sparrowhawk.
Closer to the water, you could see a sand martin or a colourful common kingfisher. There are also small little grebes and elegant great crested grebes. The centre also looks after a collection of wildfowl (water birds) that live there all the time.
What Happens at the Centre
The London Wetland Centre often hosts talks and events. These events teach people about how to protect Britain's wetland animals. In 2005, the centre was even shown on a BBC TV show called Seven Natural Wonders. It was featured as one of London's natural wonders, focusing on its parakeets.
The site has a large building for visitors. Sometimes, this building is even used for weddings! In 2012, the London Wetland Centre was voted Britain's Favourite Nature Reserve. This was part of the BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards. In 2019, over 190,000 people visited this amazing place.
Images for kids
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Sheltered Lagoon at the London Wetland Centre
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Black-necked swan at the Centre
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Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust London Wetland Centre
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London Wetland Centre Peacock Tower
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Coscoroba swan at the London Wetland Centre
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Demoiselle Cranes in WWT London Wetland Centre
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Lego swan sculpture on display in 2015
