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WWT Welney

Norfolk  >  United Kingdom

This is a reserve run by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust. It straddles the New Bedford River, providing wetland habitats for resident and migrant birds.

Added* by Axel Kirby
Most recent update 6 March 2022
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Description

The centre caters for both keen birders and the interested public. Sited on the Ouse Washes, water levels fluctuate with the weather and the seasons. Welney is particularly noted for its winter gatherings of Whooper Swan and Bewick's Swan, although the latter are greatly reduced in number. Other waterfowl and wader species are present and there's also a lively colony of Eurasian Tree Sparrow, a highly localised species. Unsurprisingly, passerines are uncommon.

There are good views from the reserve centre over former arable land converted into wader friendly scrapes. A footbridge leads to the "observatory", a comfortable building built for viewing the washes. There are daily feeding sessions with informative commentary. Several hides are accessible to those willing to walk up to a kilometre.

It's worth observing the fields in the locality, while approaching the Centre. In winter, hundreds of swans feed in the arable fields, to the benefit of the commercial crops. Other species are also present in the area.

Details

Access

Welney is located 7.6 miles (12 km) from Littleport station and 10.4 miles (16.7km) from Downham Market station. Taxis are available from Littleport and both are within reasonable cycling distance. There are no local bus services. There's free car parking at the centre. The centre's postcode is PE14 9TN. Movement around the reserve is on foot; limited areas may be difficult for wheelchair users, particularly when water levels are high.

Terrain and Habitat

Scattered trees and bushes , Wetland , Grassland , River , Lake , Mud flats , Agriculture

Conditions

Flat , Open landscape , High water possible , Wet

Circular trail

No

Is a telescope useful?

Yes

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Winter

Route

Wide path

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot , Wheelchair

Birdwatching hide / platform

Yes

Extra info

Toilets, shop and cafe are at the Centre's building.

Links

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

Whooper Swan
1. Whooper Swan
(Cygnus cygnus)
Bewick's Swan
2. Bewick's Swan
(Cygnus columbianus bewickii)
Common Pochard
3. Common Pochard
(Aythya ferina)
Eurasian Tree Sparrow
4. Eurasian Tree Sparrow
(Passer montanus)
Little Grebe
5. Little Grebe
(Tachybaptus ruficollis)

Other birds you can see here

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