{"id":6780,"date":"2026-08-28T08:14:23","date_gmt":"2026-08-28T06:14:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/missiontomarsh.org\/wetland\/wwt-london-wetland-center\/"},"modified":"2026-10-16T14:34:25","modified_gmt":"2026-10-16T12:34:25","slug":"wwt-london-wetland-center","status":"publish","type":"wetland","link":"https:\/\/missiontomarsh.org\/en\/wetland\/wwt-london-wetland-center\/","title":{"rendered":"WWT London Wetland Center"},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","class_list":["post-6780","wetland","type-wetland","status-publish","hentry","no-featured-image-padding"],"acf":{"wetland_country":"England","wetland_state":"","wetland_latitude":51.47930462253394,"wetland_longitude":-0.23214468028551513,"wetland_pois_geojson":"","wetland_hero_image":6778,"wetland_hero_image_copyright":"Mission to Marsh","wetland_type":"Artificially created urban wetland mosaic (Urban Wetland \/ Constructed Wetland). Geological subsoil: London Clay (Eocene)\u2014an impermeable layer of clay that promotes natural water retention. Until 1993, the site consisted of four concrete Victorian water reservoirs (Barn Elms Reservoirs), which had served as London\u2019s drinking water supply since the late 19th century. After they were decommissioned, the WWT began converting them in 1995: over 100,000 cubic meters of concrete were removed, creating open water bodies, reed beds, grazing meadows, shallow ponds, wetland forests, and floodplains. These habitats mimic typical British wetland ecosystems and are therefore capable of forming peat under the right anaerobic conditions.    ","wetland_usp":"When David Attenborough opened it, it was the largest man-made wetland in a capital city\u2014today, it is London\u2019s most important wildlife oasis right in the heart of the city.","wetland_size":"A total area of approximately 44 ha, of which 29.9 ha are designated as an SSSI.","wetland_status":"A 29.9-hectare section has been designated as the \u201cBarn Elms Wetland Center\u201d SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) since 2002.","wetland_landscape":"A mosaic of six habitat types: open water bodies (lakes), reedbeds, grazing marshes, shallow ponds, wet woodlands (carrs), and flooded meadows. The Thames Riverside Walk runs along the eastern edge, and the area is surrounded by the London neighborhoods of Barn Elms Park and Barnes Common. ","wetland_authorities":"wned and managed by: Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT), SSSI oversight: Natural England","wetland_infrastructure":"","wetland_accessibility":"Fully accessible according to official certification: wheelchair-accessible paths and step-free access throughout the entire grounds. Elevator in the Peacock Tower. 12 designated accessible parking spaces\u2014free for Blue Badge holders. Free wheelchair rental on site (including 1 electric wheelchair; advance reservation required). Wheelchair-accessible restrooms.    ","wetland_dogs":"Dogs are not allowed in the area; they are prohibited even on a leash.","wetland_public_transport":"Excellent transportation connections; direct bus 485 from Hammersmith (stop right in front of the main entrance).","wetland_road_conditions":"Well-maintained, wide paths. Fully wheelchair-accessible, and all major viewing spots are accessible at ground level or by elevator.","wetland_parking":"Parking lot right next to the center, Barnes, London (check opening hours)","wetland_parking_name_1":"Parking Lot at the WWT","wetland_parking_name_2":"","wetland_parking_name_3":"","wetland_parking_address_1":"The Wetlands Centre, Queen Elizabeth Walk, London SW13 9SA, Vereinigtes K\u00f6nigreich","wetland_parking_address_2":"","wetland_parking_address_3":"","wetland_parking_latitude_1":"","wetland_parking_latitude_2":"","wetland_parking_latitude_3":"","wetland_parking_longitude_1":"","wetland_parking_longitude_2":"","wetland_parking_longitude_3":"","wetland_parking_price_1":"","wetland_parking_price_2":"","wetland_parking_price_3":"","wetland_description":"When Sir David Attenborough opened the London Wetland Center in May 2000, he is said to have remarked, \u201cIt\u2019s sensational\u2014an extra lung for Londoners, and right in the middle of London.\u201d The man who has explained nature to the whole world was thrilled. And rightly so: When it opened, it was the largest man-made wetland in a capital city anywhere in the world. Today, up to six bitterns regularly rest in the reeds\u2014and the shy water rail can be heard along paths less than 15 minutes from central London. What makes this place special is not only what it is, but what it once was: To transform the site, over 100,000 cubic meters of concrete had to be removed; four decommissioned concrete reservoirs were turned into reed beds, pond landscapes, wet meadows, and wetland forests\u2014an ecosystem mosaic that harbors flora and fauna in a London borough that you\u2019d have to search for elsewhere in the United Kingdom.","wetland_highlights":"The Center is worth a visit all year round\u2014but winter tells the best story: The London Wetland Center is one of the best places in the UK to spot bitterns\u2014up to six of these rare and elusive birds regularly spend the winter in the reeds. In addition, there are nationally significant winter populations of gadwalls and shovelers\u2014one of the main reasons Natural England designated the area a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). In summer, the house martin nesting site offers a special treat: a specially built nesting bank, opened in 2004, is now home to more than 70 breeding pairs of sand martins\u2014a rare sight for a city of over a million people. Six observation huts, including a heated one right on the main lake, and a two-story glass building provide viewing spots for all weather conditions. And anyone who extends their walk along the \u201cThames Path\u201d can look back at London\u2014and at one of the city\u2019s most remarkable natural histories.","wetland_seasons":"<strong>Spring (March\u2013May):<\/strong> Kingfisher, Great Crested Grebe, first dragonflies\r\n\r\n<strong>Summer (June\u2013August):<\/strong> Sand Martin colony (70+ breeding pairs), bats (8 species), 19 species of dragonflies and damselflies, 600+ species of butterflies and moths; year-round observation site for peregrine falcons, hobby falcons, and goshawks\r\n\r\n<strong>Winter (November\u2013February):<\/strong> Great Bitterns, Water Rails, Gadwalls, Shovelers, Water Pipits","wetland_history_1_original_condition":"A natural wetland along the banks of the Thames (fluvial floodplain) that was developed in the late 19th century with four concrete reservoirs to supply London with drinking water. The birdlife around the reservoirs was already well documented at that time, with over 220 species recorded since the late 19th century. ","wetland_history_2_land_use_history_begin":"Four Barn Elms reservoirs used to store drinking water for London. Built in the late 19th century, they were decommissioned in the 1980s after they were no longer needed for the city's drinking water supply. ","wetland_history_3_industrial_degradation":"","wetland_history_4_visible_degradation_traces":"The former concrete structure has been completely removed; some of the original reservoir embankments and dams have been preserved as structural elements of the new landscape design and integrated into the path system.","wetland_history_5_turning_point_protection":"1989: WWT founder Sir Peter Scott identifies the site\u2019s potential. 1995: WWT takes over the site in partnership with Thames Water. Real estate developer Berkeley Homes purchases 10 ha for residential development, thereby financing the wetland project. Official opening by Sir David Attenborough in May 2000; designated a SSSI in 2002.   ","wetland_history_6_measure_rewetting":"Removal of over 100,000 cubic meters of concrete. Creation of lakes, ponds, reed beds, and wetland forests. Use of impermeable London clay as a natural waterproofing layer and planting of thousands of trees and shrubs native to the area.  ","wetland_history_7_measure_scrub_clearing":"","wetland_history_8_recovery_status":"An extraordinary success: Within just two years of opening, the site was designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its nationally significant bird populations. Today, the project is recognized worldwide as a model for urban wetland restoration. ","wetland_gallery_image_01":6776,"wetland_gallery_image_02":6756,"wetland_gallery_image_03":6757,"wetland_gallery_image_04":6758,"wetland_gallery_image_05":6759,"wetland_gallery_copyright_01":"Mission to Marsh","wetland_gallery_copyright_02":"Mission to Marsh","wetland_gallery_copyright_03":"Mission to Marsh","wetland_gallery_copyright_04":"Mission to Marsh","wetland_gallery_copyright_05":"Mission to Marsh","wetland_gallery_image_06":6760,"wetland_gallery_image_07":6761,"wetland_gallery_image_08":6762,"wetland_gallery_image_09":6763,"wetland_gallery_image_10":6764,"wetland_gallery_copyright_06":"Mission to Marsh","wetland_gallery_copyright_07":"Mission to Marsh","wetland_gallery_copyright_08":"Mission to Marsh","wetland_gallery_copyright_09":"Mission to Marsh","wetland_gallery_copyright_10":"Mission to Marsh","wetland_gallery_image_11":6765,"wetland_gallery_image_12":6766,"wetland_gallery_image_13":6768,"wetland_gallery_image_14":6769,"wetland_gallery_image_15":6770,"wetland_gallery_copyright_11":"Mission to Marsh","wetland_gallery_copyright_12":"Mission to Marsh","wetland_gallery_copyright_13":"Mission to Marsh","wetland_gallery_copyright_14":"Mission to Marsh","wetland_gallery_copyright_15":"Mission to Marsh","wetland_gallery_image_16":6771,"wetland_gallery_image_17":6772,"wetland_gallery_image_18":6773,"wetland_gallery_image_19":6774,"wetland_gallery_image_20":6775,"wetland_gallery_copyright_16":"Mission to Marsh","wetland_gallery_copyright_17":"Mission to Marsh","wetland_gallery_copyright_18":"Mission to Marsh","wetland_gallery_copyright_19":"Mission to Marsh","wetland_gallery_copyright_20":"Mission to Marsh","wetland_flora_image_1":5253,"wetland_flora_image_2":6646,"wetland_flora_image_3":6701,"wetland_flora_name_1":"Reed (Phragmites australi)","wetland_flora_name_2":"Willow (Salix)","wetland_flora_name_3":"Cattail (Typha spp.)","wetland_flora_description_1":"forms extensive reed beds and serves as an important breeding and overwintering habitat.","wetland_flora_description_2":"It dominates the moist forests and forms the structural backbone of riparian woodlands.","wetland_flora_description_3":"characteristic of the shallow-water zones of ponds.","wetland_fauna_image_1":6690,"wetland_fauna_image_2":6689,"wetland_fauna_image_3":5663,"wetland_fauna_name_1":"Bittern (Botaurus stellaris)","wetland_fauna_name_2":"Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)","wetland_fauna_name_3":"Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber)","wetland_fauna_description_1":"Up to 6 bitterns spend the winter in the area, which is one of the most reliable wintering sites in Great Britain.","wetland_fauna_description_2":"","wetland_fauna_description_3":"","wetland_trail_link_1":"","wetland_trail_link_2":"","wetland_trail_link_3":"","wetland_trail_link_4":"","wetland_trail_link_5":"","wetland_partner_logo_1":"","wetland_partner_logo_2":"","wetland_partner_logo_3":"","wetland_partner_logo_4":"","wetland_partner_name_1":"","wetland_partner_name_2":"","wetland_partner_name_3":"","wetland_partner_name_4":"","wetland_partner_activity_1":"","wetland_partner_activity_2":"","wetland_partner_activity_3":"","wetland_partner_activity_4":"","wetland_partner_link_1":"","wetland_partner_link_2":"","wetland_partner_link_3":"","wetland_partner_link_4":"","wetland_post_image_1":"","wetland_post_image_2":"","wetland_post_image_3":"","wetland_post_image_4":"","wetland_post_title_1":"","wetland_post_title_2":"","wetland_post_title_3":"","wetland_post_title_4":"","wetland_post_teaser_1":"","wetland_post_teaser_2":"","wetland_post_teaser_3":"","wetland_post_teaser_4":"","wetland_post_link_1":"","wetland_post_link_2":"","wetland_post_link_3":"","wetland_post_link_4":"","wetland_conversation_is_enabled":false,"wetland_character":"","wetland_conversation_intro":"","wetland_is_hidden_moor":false,"wetland_is_visible":true},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/missiontomarsh.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/wetland\/6780","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/missiontomarsh.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/wetland"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/missiontomarsh.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/wetland"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/missiontomarsh.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/missiontomarsh.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/wetland\/6780\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7503,"href":"https:\/\/missiontomarsh.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/wetland\/6780\/revisions\/7503"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/missiontomarsh.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6780"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}