Description
Slimbridge Wetland Centre (Slimbridge WWT) was set up in November 1946, by renowned naturalist, artist and broadcaster Sir Peter Scott, who went on to form The Wildfowl and Wetland Trust, that today has numerous other reserves throughout the United Kingdom. Slimbridge WWT comprises of 2000 acres of lagoon, reedbeds, salt marsh and pasture land beside the River Severn Estuary. As well as having the world's largest collection of 'captive' wildfowl, it is heavily involved in research projects in the UK/overseas and captive breeding programmes of endangered species, more recently it has been involved in 'headstarting' Veliki Pozviždač and Ždral.
Some species (depending on season) you can expect to see are Lisasta Guska, Mali labud, Žličarka, Modronoga Sabljarka, Kokošica, Prutka Migavica and Crnokrila Prutka. There are probably more hides at this site than any other reserve of the same size and new for the reserves 75 anniversary the Holden Hide overlooking the estuary has been completely rebuilt, that includes a lift for the less able, other areas have had further work done to 'build' scrapes and islands, further improving the area for birds. For admission charge and latest bird sightings go to wwt.org.uk (see the link below).
Details
Access
The M5 motorway (just to the East) runs between Bristol and Gloucester. Come off this motorway at Junction 13 or 14 and follow 'Brown Duck Signs' to the reserve. On arrival there is a very large free car park. The centre is open between 09.30 and 17.30hrs (last admission 16.30hrs) and is open every day except Christmas Day.
Terrain and Habitat
Scattered trees and bushes , Grassland , River , Sea , Reedbeds , Agriculture , Mud flats , Beach , Lake , WetlandConditions
Flat , Wet , Slippery , Open landscape , No shadowCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
YesGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Winter , Spring migration , Autumn migration , Autumn , SpringRoute
Paved road , Wide path , Narrow trailDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
Foot , Bicycle , Car , WheelchairBirdwatching hide / platform
YesExtra info
BE AWARE, THE MAP SHOWS THE BEST WALKING ROUTE TO HIDES FOR WILD BIRDS. As well as the more regular species seen each year, you may see Guska Glogovnjača, Mala guska, Žutokljuni Labud. Be sure to catch the daily Mali labud feeding, with live commentary, from the peng observatory during the winter month afternoons (see star on map). BE AWARE, the pathway from the Holden Tower hide to the estuary is SUMMER ONLY (SEE STAR ON MAP). For Čvorak 'murmuration' good views can be had from the 'tall' Sloane Observatory Tower at the visitor centre.