The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) is a leading UK conservation organisation saving wetlands for wildlife and people across the world. Founded in 1946 by the naturalist and artist, the late Sir Peter Scott, WWT is the only UK charity with a national network of nine specialist wetland visitor centres. With over 60 years experience of wetland conservation, WWT is committed to the protection of wetlands and all that depend on them for survival.

Our purpose is to save wetlands and their wildlife and raise awareness of the issues that affect their survival. To enhance people’s lives through learning about and being close to nature and inspiring them to help WWT’s conservation work worldwide. WWT manages over 2,000 hectares of wetland wildlife reserves, visited by over one million people a year. Many of these reserves are designated as Ramsar, SPA, SAC and SSSI. We see constructed wetlands as playing a key role in the protection of these habitats from the effects of nutrient input.

Ecological surveys have also demonstrated that the constructed wetland can also integrate biodiversity objectives and support diverse flora and faunal communities. Species recorded include Bittern, Cetti’s Warbler, Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Water Rail, Water Vole, Silky Wainscot – a notable species of stem boring moth which feeds on animal fats, Diving beetles, Red-eyed Damselfly, Emperor Dragonfly, Pipistrelle Bats, Grass Snakes & Marsh Frog.

 

WWT would like to see an increase in the adoption of constructed wetlands designed with the dual role of improving water quality and biodiversity. We hope to achieve this through the development, demonstration and dissemination of best practice models and promotion of wetland functions which benefit both society and wetland biodiversity.

 

 

 

 

 

 

        

 

           

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

          

Biodiversity means the variety of life in all its forms. It includes the variety of species and ecosystems occurring in the world. It also encompasses genetic variation.

 

Without insects and other invertebrates, human life on the planet would be impossible. The enormous diversity of life is of crucial value. It is our duty to preserve this by conservation at all times.

 

The Constructed Wetland Association is keen to promote understanding in biodiversity and conservation. The aim being to ensure sustainable development, taking into account the long term requirements of the natural world.

 

This page is intended for membership contribution posting information about conservation matters and projects which they are involved. All conservation information for publishing on this page should be sent to the committee in the first instance.

The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge

Removing silt and vegetation in an overland bed in the South Finger treatment system at Slimbridge which treats the centre’s bird collection wastewater. Regular maintenance such as this will improve the flow and distribution in the beds and also create a varied habitat for wildlife such as dragonflies.