WWT Slimbridge
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WWT Slimbridge is a wetland reserve managed by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (a UK charity) at Slimbridge, Gloucestershire, England. Slimbridge is halfway between Bristol and Gloucester on the estuary of the river Severn. The reserve was the first WWT centre to be opened, in 1946, thanks to the vision of artist and naturalist Sir Peter Scott. The United Kingdom now has 8 other WWT sites.
The reserve exists to care for and study ducks and geese of the world. To cater for bird and duck watchers, sixteen hides overlook the fields, streams and lakes bordering the River Severn. The Sloane Observation Tower gives far-reaching views to the Cotswold escarpment in the east and the River Severn and Forest of Dean in the West. Slimbridge has a visitors' centre and shop, restaurant, art gallery and Tropical House.
The site has 3 square kilometres of reserve, of which 500,000 square metres is landscaped and can be visited by the public.
The number of ducks, geese and swans is greatest in winter, with large flocks of White-fronted Geese, sometimes with a rare Lesser White-fronted Goose amongst them. Bewick's Swans are a famous feature of Slimbridge in winter, arriving from northern Russia to enjoy the milder climate of southern England. Other winter visitors are birds of prey such as Peregrine and Merlin, as well as wading birds and songbirds.
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