WWT Slimbridge
WWT Slimbridge is a wetland reserve managed by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (a UK charity) at Slimbridge, Gloucestershire. Slimbridge is approximately 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.
View from the Sloane Observation Tower in winter
Slimbridge in winter. The Sloane Tower can be seen on the left
The reserve is most famous for its collection of ducks and geese of the world. To cater for bird watchers, sixteen hides overlook the fields and streams 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 300 hectares of reserve, of which 50 hectares are landscaped and can be roamed by the visitor.
It is at its best in winter, with large flocks of White-fronted Geese, sometimes with a rare Lesser White-fronted Goose amongst them. There are also Bewick's Swans, Whooper Swans and many ducks, some of which even join the captive birds on the pools in the collection.
Wintering birds of prey also occur, such as Peregrine and Merlin.