London Wetland Centre sets an example to Europe

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 unfavorable. It said: "The conservation status of and trends for habitats are worse than for species", with three quarters (77 per cent) described as unfavorable. 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.

Bittern is now a regular sight at WWT's London Wetland Centre (Photo: Steve Ashton)

WWT's Head of Campaigns Peter Morris said: "The report underlines [the fact] that wetlands are among the most damaged of our landscapes, but unlike other less dynamic habitats like ancient forests they are also among the most repairable.

"London is a prime example. It was once mainly wetlands, almost all of which have now disappeared, and the wildlife with it. But London Wetland Centre demonstrates that it is possible to rebuild healthy wetlands and attract regionally rare species like Bittern back to the capital.

"While half of Europe's wildlife is declining or depleted, at London Wetland Centre the number of plant species has rocketed from 192 to 440. WWT has repaired and rebuilt similar habitats in Arundel, West Sussex, Llanelli, Dyfed, Martin Mere, Lancashire, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire and Welney, Norfolk. These are recreated wild wetland habitats where you can once again see wild Bitterns feeding and roosting among the reeds."

While WWT's wetlands are the product of the hard work and backing of its 700 volunteers and 200,000 members, anyone can help Europe's wildlife right now by registering their support for Europe's wildlife laws. The reason the European Commission has published this report is because it is required to under two laws that underpin all wildlife protections: the Birds Directive and the Habitats Directive. At the same time, both these laws are being reviewed, so WWT has joined with 100 other organisations to let Brussels know how important wildlife is to people in the UK.

The 42-acre site has 30 habitats including wet grassland, grazing marsh, immature woodland and shingle islands. The habitats' water levels are managed independently to maintain them in optimum condition for different species. Spacious hides with large windows, sofas and good disabled access are placed at the best vantage points.

As well as up to six Bitterns, the site attracts more than 600 butterfly and moth species, eight bat species and more than 200 Shoveler and 150 Gadwall, all of which have contributed to its SSSI status. The number of plant species has increased from 192 to more than 440 since the reservoirs were converted. Introduced Water Voles are now starting to recolonise other areas from the reserve.