A Natural Treasure found within the Metropolis

In Issue 2, The Moonsea had the honour to feature the beautiful wetland reserve found in west London.

It is not common to find nature reserves on the fringe of the capital city with 14 million inhabitants, but this is exactly what the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) created in the suburbs of west London. WWT London Wetlands Centre, opened in 2000, covers an area of ​​more than 40 hectares, most of which have become designated sites of special scientific value. It consists of four abandoned Victorian reservoirs, which have been carefully managed to form various wetland habitats, including lakes, pools and wet grasslands. These natural wetlands can not only protect people, reduce the risk of floods, and keep people away from the threat of floods, but also convert greenhouse gases into oxygen, bringing a healthier living environment.

WWT London Wetlands Centre attracts an incredible amount of wildlife and provides them with shelter, some of which cannot be seen anywhere else in London. There are 30 kinds of butterflies and 650 kinds of moths recorded here, as well as 26 different kinds of dragonflies and damselflies, including rare hairy dragonflies. There is also a collection of waterfowl from all over the world, as well as an impressive list of British wild birds. Water vole also thrives in the safe environment provided by the reserve. At the same time, the night sky has become the territory of nine species of bats.

Read more about the WWT in our Issue 2 or plan your next visit to the WWT’s at https://www.wwt.org.uk

Photo courtesy of WWT London Wetland Centre, and The Moonsea